18F-FDG PET/CT在鼻咽癌诊断及分期中的临床价值

背景与目的:PET/CT能够通过准确显示肿瘤形态、大小及相邻关系从而对鼻咽癌(NPC)进行诊断及分期研究.本研究结合PET/CT、MRI结果及部分颈部小淋巴结病理结果,探讨18SF-FDG PET/CT在鼻咽癌TNM分期中的价值.方法:从2005年9月至2007年3月.选取行PET/CT和MRI检查的鼻咽癌患者68例.PET数据采用2D采集模式,CT扫描电压140 kV,采用自动毫安量跟踪扫描加血管增强的扫描方案,18F-FDG按3.7～5.5 MBq/kg剂量静脉注射.MRI检查采用T1W和T2W成像及T1W增强扫描成像.并对其中10例患者颈部小淋巴结切除和穿刺组织病理检查,进行图像与病理对照.结果:68例鼻咽癌患者所有鼻咽区域的病灶PET/CT均可以清晰显示,MRI和PET/CT显示病灶一致:对于直径≤1 cm的138枚PET/CT示阳性小淋巴结,MRI仅有约28%可作不肯定提示.10例鼻咽癌患者颈部16枚PET/CT显示阳性小淋巴结与病理结果相符14枚,符合率达87.5%.对于颈部肿大淋巴结PET/CT.和MRI均能显示,对部分放疗过程PET/CT示增殖活性明显受抑制的肿大淋巴结,MRI和PET/CT增强扫描可见强化.对于其中8例Ⅳb期鼻咽癌患者肺、骨、肝脏等转移灶,PET/CT全身扫描可清晰显示病灶,而MRI具有较多限制.由于18F-FDG PET/CT检查使其中24例的分期进行调整.结论:18F-FDG-PET/CT扫描采用自动毫安量跟踪扫描加血管增强的扫描方案,充分利用PET/CT信息进行鼻咽癌的临床分期,其结果较MRI全面、可靠.     

PET/CT双定量分析在良恶性颈部淋巴结鉴别诊断中的价值

  目的  探讨18F-FDG PET/CT SUVmax及CT短径双定量分析在良恶性颈部淋巴结鉴别诊断中的价值。  方法  回顾性分析本院2005年4月~2011年9月期间以颈部淋巴结肿大为首发症状行18F-FDG PET/CT检查的82例患者的显像情况。以病理诊断为金标准, 对CT、PET、PET/CT图像结果进行定量分析, 绘制SUVmax值及CT短径的ROC曲线, 找到最佳诊断界点, 分别计算单纯CT、单纯PET以及PET/CT双定量分析的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值、准确度等指标, 并对其结果进行统计学分析。  结果  当CT短径≥0.65cm且SUVmax≥1.95, 18F-FDG PET/CT显像诊断良恶性颈部淋巴结的灵敏度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值、准确度分别为79.30%、94.52%、95.15%、77.09%、85.76%, 其准确度高于单纯PET或单纯CT。  结论  18F-FDG PET/CT双定量分析对良恶性颈部淋巴结的鉴别诊断具有较高的临床价值, 其准确性优于单纯PET或单纯CT: 当CT短径≥0.65cm且SUV-max≥1.95.提示颈部淋巴结恶性可能性大。      

鼻咽癌N0‐N1期患者Ⅱb区临床靶区剂量优化策略及可行性分析

目的 明确鼻咽癌N₀‐N₁期患者Ⅱ_b区淋巴结预防照射剂量CTV_60Gy优化至CTV_50Gy的安全性以及对腮腺保护的剂量优势和临床价值,了解PET‐CT及弥散加权成像（DWI）对颈部可疑阳性淋巴结（最大横断面短径≥5 mm但<10 mm）的诊断价值。方法 回顾性分析2015年6月至2017年3月收治的N₀‐N₁期初治非转移鼻咽癌157例,其中104例在多模态影像指导下进行上颈部Ⅱ_b区临床靶区优化,以Kaplan‐Meier法进行生存分析,单因素、多因素回归分析颈部淋巴结复发模式,配对t检验比较剂量优化前后靶区及腮腺剂量参数差异。结果 N₁期行对侧单颈Ⅱ_b区优化60例,行双颈Ⅱ_b区优化25例（仅咽后淋巴结转移者）;N₀期双颈Ⅱ_b区优化19例。共有3例患者出现颈部复发,均在高剂量区内。全组5年总生存率为93.3%,淋巴结无复发生存率、无局部复发生存率、无远处转移生存率和无瘤生存率分别为97.1%、91.3%、88.5%和80.8%。颈淋巴结复发与鼻咽局部复发有关,与咽后淋巴结状态无关。14例患者Ⅱ_b区内有可疑阳性颈淋巴结,最大横截面短径平均为7.1（5~9） mm,其中11例PET‐CT阳性,平均SUV_max为2.96（2.5~3.3）。优化后肿瘤体积的差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,腮腺的D_mean、D_max、D_50%、V_26Gy显著低于常规计划（P<0.01）。结论 鼻咽癌N₀‐N₁患者进行Ⅱ_b区CTV_60Gy至CTV_50Gy的剂量优化是安全的,腮腺及颈部周围正常组织受照剂量明显降低,对于未达诊断标准的小淋巴结需要结合PET‐CT及DWI等多模态成像进行个体化处理。     

鼻咽癌N0‐N1期患者Ⅱb区临床靶区剂量优化策略及可行性分析

目的 明确鼻咽癌N₀‐N₁期患者Ⅱ_b区淋巴结预防照射剂量CTV_60Gy优化至CTV_50Gy的安全性以及对腮腺保护的剂量优势和临床价值,了解PET‐CT及弥散加权成像（DWI）对颈部可疑阳性淋巴结（最大横断面短径≥5 mm但<10 mm）的诊断价值。方法 回顾性分析2015年6月至2017年3月收治的N₀‐N₁期初治非转移鼻咽癌157例,其中104例在多模态影像指导下进行上颈部Ⅱ_b区临床靶区优化,以Kaplan‐Meier法进行生存分析,单因素、多因素回归分析颈部淋巴结复发模式,配对t检验比较剂量优化前后靶区及腮腺剂量参数差异。结果 N₁期行对侧单颈Ⅱ_b区优化60例,行双颈Ⅱ_b区优化25例（仅咽后淋巴结转移者）;N₀期双颈Ⅱ_b区优化19例。共有3例患者出现颈部复发,均在高剂量区内。全组5年总生存率为93.3%,淋巴结无复发生存率、无局部复发生存率、无远处转移生存率和无瘤生存率分别为97.1%、91.3%、88.5%和80.8%。颈淋巴结复发与鼻咽局部复发有关,与咽后淋巴结状态无关。14例患者Ⅱ_b区内有可疑阳性颈淋巴结,最大横截面短径平均为7.1（5~9） mm,其中11例PET‐CT阳性,平均SUV_max为2.96（2.5~3.3）。优化后肿瘤体积的差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,腮腺的D_mean、D_max、D_50%、V_26Gy显著低于常规计划（P<0.01）。结论 鼻咽癌N₀‐N₁患者进行Ⅱ_b区CTV_60Gy至CTV_50Gy的剂量优化是安全的,腮腺及颈部周围正常组织受照剂量明显降低,对于未达诊断标准的小淋巴结需要结合PET‐CT及DWI等多模态成像进行个体化处理。     

鼻咽癌咽后内侧淋巴结的影像学诊断与保护吞咽结构靶区优化探讨

目的 明确弥散加权成像(DWI)在鼻咽癌咽后内侧淋巴结的诊断价值,了解咽后内侧淋巴结的临床特点并探讨优化CTV60靶区范围的可行性。方法 回顾研究2011-2017年由江苏省肿瘤医院收治的437例Ⅰ-Ⅳ a期鼻咽癌患者,行MR常规成像、DWI功能成像及增强CT扫描,分析咽后内侧淋巴结临床特点及CTV60下界于C2上缘分开的剂量学优势及安全性。结果 437例患者13例有咽后内侧淋巴结,横径2.0~19 mm,其中横径在2.0~5.0 mm占53.8%。咽后内侧淋巴结分布于C1上缘至C3上缘1/3之间,其发生与N分期、双颈部淋巴结转移有关,尤其与颈部淋巴结横径>3 cm密切相关。DWI、T2压脂及增强CT的敏感度分别为100%、61.5%及23.1%。排除特殊病灶类型,将CTV60下界在C2上缘分开,吞咽结构高剂量区照射剂量和体积明显降低。入组患者5年生存率达80%,且无一在优化靶区内复发。结论 咽后内侧淋巴结发生率低,其直径多≤5 mm,DWI对显示咽后内侧淋巴结具有优势。将CTV60下界在C2上缘分开对吞咽结构保护具有剂量学优势且安全可行。     

The usefulness of MRI and PET imaging for the detection of parametrial involvement and lymph node metastasis in patients with cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to elucidate the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) for the detection of parametrial involvement and lymph node metastasis in patients with cervical cancer. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with cervical cancer were retrospectively enrolled. MRI and PET scans were performed for all patients within a week before radical surgery. The criterion for malignancy on MRI was >1 cm short axis diameter of the suspected lymph node. On PET, only fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake was significantly higher than the background and, if this FDG uptake showed on at least two consecutive axial slices, then the lesion was considered as a malignancy. We compared the extent of tumor on the surgical findings with the FIGO staging, MRI and PET scans. RESULTS: The accuracy of FIGO and MRI staging was 67 and 84.4%, respectively. The accuracy for detecting pelvic lymph node metastasis was better for PET than for MRI (78 versus 67%, respectively). All FDG uptake lymph nodes were confirmed as metastatic lymph nodes by pathological evaluation; this included five lymph nodes <1 cm in diameter. CONCLUSION: MRI provides an improved evaluation of local tumor extension, but PET is more useful for the evaluation of pelvic lymph nodes than MRI; however, PET still misses microscopic disease. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the usefulness of PET/computed tomography (CT) for the accuracy of the disease extension and the cost-effectiveness of MRI, PET or PET/CT in patients with cervical cancer.     

Advances in imaging in the postoperative patient with a rising prostate-specific antigen level

Imaging prostate cancer continues to represent a clinical challenge for both primary and recurrent disease. In the evaluation of the persistent/recurrent/metastatic prostate cancer, knowledge of cancer location (local v distant), size, and extent are essential in order to design a treatment, tailored to each patient's needs. There are evidence-based guidelines for the use of imaging in assessing the presence of distant spread of prostate cancer. Radionuclide bone scans and computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or positron emission tomography (PET) supplement clinical and biochemical evaluations (prostate-specific antigen [PSA]) for suspected metastatic disease to bones and lymph nodes. There is no consensus about the use of imaging in the evaluation of local tumor recurrence. The use of ultrasound has been limited to biopsy guidance of the prostatic bed, or percutaneous biopsy of enlarged lymph nodes detected on CT or MRI. The use of MRI is evolving. Recent studies indicate that the use of MRI provides valuable information in the evaluation of local tumor recurrence, and nodal and bony metastases. In a patient post-radiation therapy, the method of combining MRI anatomic information with MR spectroscopic metabolic information is evolving. Another modality offering information about anatomy and metabolism of the local disease is PET/CT. The value of PET/CT at present is controversial, but new studies exploring the role of PET/CT in aggressive prostate cancer are promising.     

The value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT for the detection of distant metastases in high-risk patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

The aims of this study were to assess a cohort of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) for: (1) the prevalence of synchronous distant metastases (DM) as detected by the initial staging by using (18)F-FDG PET/CT, (2) the prevalence of metachronous DM, and (3) the validity of published risk factors with special emphasis on the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max) for the prediction of DM. Two hundred and ninety nine patients with advanced HNSCC were included. Following risk factors at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up were analyzed: advanced T/N stage, poor histological differentiation, level IV/Vb lymph nodes, primary site in the larynx/hypopharynx, and SUV max. The prevalence of DM at initial staging and during follow-up was 10% and 11%, respectively. At initial staging, primary site in the larynx/hypopharynx and neck nodes in level IV/Vb, and during follow-up only level IV/Vb nodes achieved statistical significance. The sensitivity for (18)F-FDG PET/CT with regard to the detection of DM was 96.8%, the specificity 95.4%, the positive predictive value (PV) 69.8%, and the negative PV 99.6%. Patients without DM showed a significantly better overall survival (OS) than patients developing DM (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in OS with regard to the time of diagnosis of DM. The prevalence for synchronous and metachronous DM in advanced HNSCC is considerable. (18)F-FDG PET/CT is highly accurate for initial staging and follow-up. DM carries a bad prognosis regardless of the time of diagnosis.     

18F-FDG PET/CT显像在鼻咽癌分期与疗效监测中的临床应用价值

背景与目的:18F-脱氧葡萄糖(fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose,18F-FDG)PET/CT显像可明显提高肺癌、食管癌等多种肿瘤的诊断、分期与疗效监测的准确性,有助于更准确地制定治疗方案.本研究探讨全身18F-FDG PET/CT显像在鼻咽癌首次分期、再分期及疗效监测中的临床应用价值.方法:回顾性分析澳大利亚Peter MacCallum肿瘤中心2002年2月至2005年12月43例鼻咽癌患者的18F-FDG PET/CT全身扫描报告,根据临床资料、病理结果及临床随访结果,计算18F-FDG PET/CT与传统影像学检查CT、MRI的准确性、特异性、灵敏度、阳性预测值与阴性预测值,并对结果进行比较和分析.结果:18F-FDGPET/CT诊断鼻咽癌总的准确率、敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值与阴性预测值分别为95.3%、100.0%、85.7%、93.8%、100.0%,传统影像学检查CT、MRI分别为65.5%、79.4%、64.7%、81.8%、57.9%. 18F-FDG PET/CT诊断结果使2例首次分期、7例再分期患者治疗方案得到改变,并影响1例首次分期和3例再分期患者治疗方案的制定;在疗效监测组中,指导医生修改治疗方案共11例(其中5例为原则性的修改).18F-FDG PET/CT检测到2例第二原发肿瘤,1例是甲状腺癌,1例是低度恶性胃癌.结论:18F-FDG PET/CT全身显像对鼻咽癌N、M分期与疗效监测的临床作用可能优于CT、MR检查.     

Whole Body 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging in the Detection of Primary Tumours in Patients with a Metastatic Carcinoma of Unknown Origin

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of whole body 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in thedetection of primary tumors in patients with a metastatic cancer from an unknown primary site. Methods: Thestudy population consisted of 43 patients with a biopsy proven metastatic disease, negative conventional diagnosticprocedures (including CT/MRI/endoscopic procedures) and a whole body 18F-FDG PET/CT examination.Patients’ records were retrospectively analyzed. According to the final pathologic diagnoses, rate of detection ofthe primary tumor site was determined. Additionally, overall patient survival was calculated to evaluate theprognostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT findings. Results: A primary tumor site was shown by 18F-FDG PET/CTin 24 patients (24/43; 55.8%). In 18 patients 18F-FDG PET/CT scans were negative (18/43; 41.8%). In a patientwith an adenocarcinoma metastasis 18F-FDG PET/CT was falsely positive for an inflammatory lesion in thelung. Among the 18F-FDG PET/CT positive and negative groups median overall survival was not significantlydifferent (log-rank p=0.573). Conclusion: Whole body 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging has a high rate of detectionof a primary tumor in patients with a carcinoma of unknown origin.     

Rh-Apo2L联合长春瑞滨杀伤人肺腺癌A549细胞的作用研究

[目的]对比PET／CT与MRI诊断鼻咽癌颅底、颅内侵犯的效能．评估PET／CT对以MRI为基础的鼻咽癌T分期影响。[方法]2005年1月至2009年12月,60例患者均行PET／CT和MRI检查,对比PET／CT和MRI的诊断效能及T分期结果。[结果]PET／CT和MRI对鼻咽癌颅底侵犯的敏感性、特异性、准确率分别为96．7％、60．0％和78-3％;76．7％、93.3％和85．0％。PET／CT使28.3％病例T分期提高,8．3％病例T分期下降。[结论]虽然PET／CT对鼻咽癌原发灶侵犯范围的评估效能与MRI相仿,但如以PET／CT作为鼻咽癌分期基础,可能使T分期提高,临床需予以重视。     

PET/CT与MRI在鼻咽癌淋巴结转移诊断和N分期中的比较研究

目的 比较PET／CT与MRI在鼻咽癌淋巴结转移诊断和N分期中的作用。方法116例鼻咽癌患者于治疗前行PET／CT和MRI检查。依据随访结果比较PET／CT和MRI在淋巴结转移诊断和N分期中的作用。结果116例患者的614个淋巴结的随访结果显示,阳性340个,阴性274个。PET／CT诊断转移淋巴结的敏感性、特异性及准确性分别为93．2％、98．2％和95．4％,而MRI分别为88．8％、91．2％和89．9％,两者各指标比较,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。按1992年福州分期,109例（94．0％）的PET／CT分期正确,103例（88．8％）的MRI分期正确;按UICC分期,108例（93．1％）的PET／CT分期正确,100例（86．2％）的MRI分期正确。结论PET／CT判断鼻咽癌淋巴结转移和N分期较MRI准确,但对炎性增生、大面积坏死淋巴结,或直径小于PET空间分辨率的转移淋巴结应警惕其假阳性和假阴性判断。     

18F-FDG PET/CT和MRI及血浆EB病毒水平对鼻咽癌局部复发的诊断价值研究

  目的  比较18F-FDG PET/CT、MRI在鼻咽癌局部复发和放疗后改变的鉴别诊断中的应用价值,并确定更合适的SUV_max诊断阈值,探索血浆EBV-DNA在发现鼻咽癌复发转移方面的意义。  方法  选取2015年1月至2020年2月期间放疗结束至少6个月后在福建省肿瘤医院进行复查的鼻咽癌患者208例,均进行MRI、PET/CT及EB病毒DNA检查（均在1个月内完成）。以活检病理结果或影像学的密切随访（至少1年）作为诊断鼻咽癌是否局部复发的标准,对患者的影像检查结果及相关参数进行比较分析。  结果  共有83例患者确诊为鼻咽癌局部复发,125例确诊为无局部复发,后者中77例伴有区域复发和（或）远处转移。PET/CT和MRI对鼻咽癌局部复发的诊断敏感性、特异性、准确性分别为89.2% vs. 67.5%,90.4% vs. 92.0%,89.9% vs. 82.2%。当诊断临界值SUV_max=3.85时,PET/CT的诊断准确性最高,与SUV_max=2.5相比,特异性（89.6% vs. 68.0%）和准确性（89.4% vs. 78.4%）均有显著提升。对纳入患者中治疗失败患者的EB病毒DNA分析发现,局部复发患者的血浆EBV-DNA检测敏感性低于区域复发或远处转移患者。局部复发肿瘤患者的SUV_max值与血浆EBV-DNA存在相关性。  结论  18F-FDG PET/CT对鼻咽癌局部复发和放疗后改变的鉴别诊断效能优于MRI。SUV_max诊断阈值设为3.85时可获得更好的诊断效能。血浆EBV-DNA检测在鼻咽癌区域复发和远处转移方面较灵敏,局部复发者的阳性率并不高,对这部分患者的诊断价值仅提供参考。      

鼻咽癌弥散加权成像临床研究

目的 探讨弥散加权成像(DWI)对鼻咽癌原发灶及其转移性淋巴结的诊断价值,建立ADC值对鼻咽癌原发灶和颈部转移性淋巴结的诊断阈值.方法 连续对56例鼻咽癌初诊患者和55例健康志愿者行MRI常规扫描和DWI扫描.鼻咽癌患者均行鼻咽部活检和图像引导下颈部淋巴结穿刺.检测56例鼻咽癌原发灶及其颈部转移性淋巴结和55例志愿者的鼻咽壁及其颈部淋巴结的ADC值、eADC值并行比较.结果 56例患者原发灶均经病理诊断为非角化型癌,其中51个颈部淋巴结阳性.健康志愿者检出75个颈部淋巴结.鼻咽癌患者原发灶及其转移性颈部淋巴结的ADC值均低于健康志愿者,eADC值均高于健康志愿者.ADC值≤0.809×10-3 mm2/s作为诊断鼻咽非角化型癌原发灶的阈值,其敏感性为80.4%,特异性为74.5%,阴性预测值为79.2%,阳性预测值为77.6%,准确性为78.4%.ADC值≤0.708×10-3 mm2/s作为诊断淋巴结转移的阈值,其敏感性为43.1%,特异性为93.3%,阴性预测值为70.7%,阳性预测值为81.5%,准确性为73.0%.结论 弥散加权成像对鼻咽癌原发灶及其转移性淋巴结有一定诊断价值.     

Comparison of the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the presurgical detection of lymph node metastases in patients with uterine cervical carcinoma: a prospective study

BACKGROUND: The objective of the current study was to determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for detecting lymph node metastases in patients with uterine cervical carcinoma compared with thin-section histopathologic results from systemic lymphadenectomy. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) Stage IB-IVA cervical carcinoma who underwent both MRI and PET/CT before lymphadenectomy were included in this study. Lymphadenectomy involved removing all visible lymph nodes in the surgical fields. To enable region-specific comparisons, paraaortic and pelvic lymph nodes were divided into seven regions: the paraaortic area, both common iliac areas, both external iliac areas, and both internal iliac/obturator areas. Histopathologic evaluation of lymph nodes was the diagnostic standard. Chi-square analysis was used to compare the accuracy of MRI and PET/CT for the detection of metastatic lymph nodes. A P value < or = 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: With MRI, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates for detecting metastatic lymph nodes in each lymph node group were 30.3% (10 of 33 lymph node groups), 92.6% (112 of 121 lymph node groups), and 72.7% (122 of 154 lymph node groups), respectively; with PET/CT, those rates were 57.6% (19 of 33 lymph node groups), 92.6% (112 of 121 lymph node groups), and 85.1% (131 of 154 lymph node groups), respectively. Statistical analysis showed that PET/CT was more sensitive than MRI (P = 0.026) but that there were no statistical differences noted with regard to specificity (P = 1.000) or accuracy (P = 0.180). Power analysis demonstrated that a sample size of 685 lymph node groups (98 patients) would be necessary to demonstrate that PET/CT was more accurate than MRI (alpha = 0.05; beta = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: PET/CT was more sensitive than MRI for detecting lymph node metastases in patients with uterine cervical carcinoma.     

To PET or not to PET? That is the question. Staging in anal cancer

BackgroundAnal cancer is a rare tumour accounting for ∼2% of all colorectal cancers between 1997 and 2000 in the UK. Staging is still dominated by DRE (digital rectal examination), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging. The role of PET as a definitive modality is still emerging and there are relatively few adequate studies in the literature.MethodsWe looked at patients treated radically for anal cancer at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre (UK) between 2009 and 2010. Eighty-eight patients underwent treatment according to data-based coding records of which 46 had positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scans. Notes were unavailable for three patients. We compared staging following conventional modalities (DRE, MRI and CT) and PET/CT scans for these 43 patients.ResultsIn 18 patients, the PET/CT stage differed from MRI. PET/CT altered the stage in 42% of patients but changes in subsequent management were not implemented.ConclusionsOur data show that PET/CT does alter staging in a significant number of cases although it did not lead to change in management under the current guidelines. Furthermore, there is agreement that PET/CT shows greater sensitivity for detection of lymph nodes and our study has demonstrated a distinct trend towards upstaging of anal cancer with PET/CT.     

Combined [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography for detecting contralateral neck metastases in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

We evaluated the clinical utility of combined [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT), as well as CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying nodal metastases in the contralateral neck in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A total of 114 patients were preoperatively evaluated with PET/CT and CT/MRI. Histopathologic analysis from bilateral neck dissection tissues was used as the gold standard in assessing these imaging techniques. Of the 114 patients, 63 (55%) had neck metastases and 26 (23%) had contralateral neck metastases. On a per-level basis, FDG PET/CT was significantly more sensitive and accurate than CT/MRI in the ipsilateral (88% vs. 70%, P<0.01 and 93% vs. 89%, P<0.01, respectively) and contralateral (52% vs. 36%, P<0.01 and 91% vs. 90%, P=0.039, respectively) neck. PET/CT and CT/MRI were less sensitive in detecting contralateral than ipsilateral neck metastases due to the lower incidence of metastases and smaller nodes on the contralateral side. Combined PET/CT is superior to CT/MRI in detecting metastatic neck nodes in HNSCC patients. However, PET/CT may not abrogate the need for contralateral neck surgery or radiotherapy in these patients.     

Restaging of recurrent cervical carcinoma with dual-phase [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography

BACKGROUND: The clinical value of positron emission tomography (PET) with [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) for primary staging in cervical carcinoma appears to be promising. The authors sought to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy and benefit of PET in restaging cervical carcinoma at the time of first recurrence. METHODS: Forty patients with cervical carcinoma who experienced confirmed treatment failure but who were feasible candidates for curative salvage therapy were enrolled prospectively in the current study. Restaging was performed with PET and with computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI). Dual-phase PET was performed by adding 3-hour-delayed images to the 40-minute scans. The results of the PET and CT/MRI scans were compared. Lesion status was determined by pathologic findings or by clinical follow-up. The receiver operating characteristic curve method with calculation of area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate diagnostic efficacy. The primary endpoint was percent improvement in restaging (with improvement indicated by treatment modification) after PET. The secondary endpoint was 2-year overall survival among study participants compared with comparable previously treated patients who did not undergo disease restaging with PET. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (55%) had their treatment modified due to PET findings. PET was significantly superior to CT/MRI (sensitivity: 92% vs. 60%; AUC: 0.962 vs. 0.771; P<0.0001) in identifying metastatic lesions. For individuals receiving primary surgery, a significantly better 2-year overall survival rate was observed among study participants compared with patients who underwent disease restaging without PET (HR, 0.21 [95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.83]; P=0.020). CONCLUSIONS: Dual-phase FDG-PET is superior to CT/MRI in the restaging of recurrent cervical carcinoma. Restaging with PET provides benefit by allowing the physician to offer optimal management of recurrent cervical carcinoma.     

Long-term Efficacy of Microwave Hyperthermia Combined with Chemoradiotherapy in Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma with Cervical Lymph Node Metastases

Objective: The long-term efficacy of microwave hyperthermia combined with chemoradiotherapy in treatingnasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) with metastatic foci in cervical lymph nodes was evaluated. Methods: A totalof 154 cases of N2 or N3 stage NPC were randomized into two groups: hyperthermia group (76 cases) and controlgroup (78 cases). Both received cisplatin chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition, the hyperthermia groupfurther received microwave hyperthermia to the metastatic cervical nodes with different patterns (before or afterradiotherapy), heating temperatures (T90 < 43°C and T90 ≥ 43°C) and hyperthermia episodes (< 4 times, 4-10times and > 10 times). Results: The 3-month and 5-year complete response (CR) rates of cervical lymph nodesin the hyperthermia group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The 5-year disease-freesurvival (DFS) rate and the 3-year / 5-year overall survival rate in the hyperthermia group were also significantlyhigher. There was no significant difference in 5-year metastatic rates. In the hyperthermia group, the 3-monthand 5-year CR rates of T90 < 43°C treatment were significantly lower than with T90 ≥ 43°C treatment. TheCR rate was highest when the hyperthermia was performed 4-10 times. There were no significant differencesin 3-month and 5-year CR rates between hyperthermia before or after radiotherapy treatment. Conclusion:Microwave hyperthermia combined with chemoradiotherapy can increase local control, DFS and 3, 5-yearoverall survival rates of patients with N2 ~ N3 stage NPC. The heating temperature should be over 43°C withhyperthermia repeated 4-10 times.     

333例鼻咽癌咽后淋巴结转移特点的MRI分析

目的了解鼻咽癌咽后淋巴结的发生率及特征,探讨其与受累部位、颈部淋巴结转移的关系。方法回顾性分析333例经病理证实、无远处转移的初诊鼻咽癌患者MRI资料。根据2008临床分期标准进行分期。采用率的比较分析咽后淋巴结转移与临床分期、肿瘤侵犯部位及颈部淋巴结转移的关系。结果（1）咽后淋巴结阳性率为66.3%,其中单侧41.4%,双侧24.9%;不同T、N分期（T1、T2、T3、T4;N1b、N2、N3）的咽后淋巴结转移率均不同,其中T1期均低于T2、T3以及T4期（P＜0.05）,N1b期均较N2、N3期低（P＜0.05）;（2）茎突前间隙、颈动脉鞘区、口咽、椎前肌、翼内肌等结构侵犯者的咽后淋巴结转移发生率均明显高于其未侵犯者（P＜0.05）;（3）全组病例颈淋巴结转移率为82.0%,其中咽后淋巴结阳性者高于阴性者（87.8% vs.70.5%,P＜0.05）;双侧咽后淋巴结转移者高于单侧转移者（94.0% vs. 84.1%,P＜0.05）;（4）咽后淋巴结最大直径≤20 mm与最大直径＞20 mm患者的颈淋巴结各区转移率差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。结论（1）鼻咽癌咽后淋巴结转移率高与茎突前间隙、颈动脉鞘区、椎前肌、翼内肌及口咽侵犯相关;（2）鼻咽癌咽后淋巴结转移影响颈淋巴结的转移;（3）咽后淋巴结的直径大小与颈淋巴结各区转移无相关性。