Comparison of 18F-FLT PET and 18F-FDG PET in esophageal cancer.

18F-FDG PET has gained acceptance for staging of esophageal cancer. However, FDG is not tumor specific and false-positive results may occur by accumulation of FDG in benign tissue. The tracer 18F-fluoro-3'-deoxy-3'-L-fluorothymidine (18F-FLT) might not have these drawbacks. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of 18F-FLT PET for the detection and staging of esophageal cancer and to compare 18F-FLT PET with 18F-FDG PET. Furthermore, the correlation between 18F-FLT and 18F-FDG uptake and proliferation of the tumor was investigated. METHODS: Ten patients with biopsy-proven cancer of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction were staged with CT, endoscopic ultrasonography, and ultrasound of the neck. In addition, all patients underwent a whole-body 18F-FLT PET and 18F-FDG PET. Standardized uptake values were compared with proliferation expressed by Ki-67 positivity. RESULTS: 18F-FDG PET was able to detect all esophageal cancers, whereas 18F-FLT PET visualized the tumor in 8 of 10 patients. Both 18F-FDG PET and 18F-FLT PET detected lymph node metastases in 2 of 8 patients. 18F-FDG PET detected 1 cervical lymph node that was missed on 18F-FLT PET, whereas 18F-FDG PET showed uptake in benign lesions in 2 patients. The uptake of 18F-FDG (median standardized uptake value [SUV(mean)], 6.0) was significantly higher than 18F-FLT (median SUV(mean), 3.4). Neither 18F-FDG maximum SUV (SUV(max)) nor 18F-FLT SUV(max) correlated with Ki-67 expression in the linear regression analysis. CONCLUSION: In this study, uptake of 18F-FDG in esophageal cancer is significantly higher compared with 18F-FLT uptake. 18F-FLT scans show more false-negative findings and fewer false-positive findings than do 18F-FDG scans. Uptake of 18F-FDG or 18F-FLT did not correlate with proliferation.     

The usefulness of 18F-FDG PET/MRI fusion image in diagnosing pancreatic tumor: comparison with 18F-FDG PET/CT

Purpose

This study aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of retrospectively fused ¹⁸F FDG-PET and MRI (PET/MRI fusion image) in diagnosing pancreatic tumor, in particular differentiating malignant tumor from benign lesions. In addition, we evaluated additional findings characterizing pancreatic lesions by FDG-PET/MRI fusion image.

Methods

We analyzed retrospectively 119 patients: 96 cancers and 23 benign lesions. FDG-PET/MRI fusion images (PET/T1 WI or PET/T2WI) were made by dedicated software using 1.5 Tesla (T) MRI image and FDG-PET images. These images were interpreted by two well-trained radiologists without knowledge of clinical information and compared with FDG-PET/CT images. We compared the differential diagnostic capability between PET/CT and FDG-PET/MRI fusion image. In addition, we evaluated additional findings such as tumor structure and tumor invasion.

Results

FDG-PET/MRI fusion image significantly improved accuracy compared with that of PET/CT (96.6 vs. 86.6 %). As additional finding, dilatation of main pancreatic duct was noted in 65.9 % of solid types and in 22.6 % of cystic types, on PET/MRI-T2 fusion image. Similarly, encasement of adjacent vessels was noted in 43.1 % of solid types and in 6.5 % of cystic types. Particularly in cystic types, intra-tumor structures such as mural nodule (35.4 %) or intra-cystic septum (74.2 %) were detected additionally. Besides, PET/MRI-T2 fusion image could detect extra benign cystic lesions (9.1 % in solid type and 9.7 % in cystic type) that were not noted by PET/CT.

Conclusions

In diagnosing pancreatic lesions, FDG-PET/MRI fusion image was useful in differentiating pancreatic cancer from benign lesions. Furthermore, it was helpful in evaluating relationship between lesions and surrounding tissues as well as in detecting extra benign cysts.     

Imaging of proliferation with 18F-FLT PET/CT versus 18F-FDG PET/CT in non-small-cell lung cancer

Purpose  

To compare the diagnostic efficacies of ¹⁸F-FLT and ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), focusing on the correlation between FLT and FDG tumour uptake and tumour cell proliferation as indicated by the cyclin D1 labelling index.     

18F-FLT PET for visualization of laryngeal cancer: comparison with 18F-FDG PET.

The feasibility of (18)F-3'-fluoro-3'-deoxy-L-thymidine PET (FLT PET) for detecting laryngeal cancer was investigated and compared with (18)F-FDG PET. METHODS: Eleven patients diagnosed with or strongly suspected of having recurrent laryngeal cancer and 10 patients with histologically proven primary laryngeal cancer underwent attenuation-corrected (18)F-FLT PET imaging 60 min after injection of a median of 213 MBq (range, 175-400 MBq) (18)F-FLT and attenuation-corrected (18)F-FDG PET imaging 90 min after injection of a median of 340 MBq (range, 165-650 MBq) (18)F-FDG. All patients were staged by endoscopy and CT according to the Union Internationale Contre la Cancer TNM staging system. All patients underwent biopsy of the laryngeal area after imaging. Lesions seen on (18)F-FDG PET and (18)F-FLT PET were compared with histopathologic results. Mean SUVs, maximum SUVs, and tumor-to-nontumor (TNT) ratios were calculated for (18)F-FLT and (18)F-FDG. Wilcoxon nonparametric testing was used for comparison of (18)F-FDG with (18)F-FLT uptake. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to correlate mean SUVs, maximum SUVs, and TNT ratios of (18)F-FDG PET and (18)F-FLT PET. Two-tailed P values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: (18)F-FDG PET and (18)F-FLT PET detected laryngeal cancer correctly in 15 of 17 patients. One lesion judged as positive on (18)F-FDG PET turned out to be normal tissue. Of 2 lesions judged as positive on (18)F-FLT PET, 1 turned out to be inflammation and the other to be normal tissue. Maximum SUVs were 3.3 (range, 1.9-8.5) for (18)F-FDG and 1.6 (range, 1.0-5.7) for (18)F-FLT (P < 0.001). Mean SUVs were 2.7 (range, 1.5-6.5) for (18)F-FDG and 1.2 (range, 0.8-3.8) for (18)F-FLT (P < 0.001). TNT was 1.9 (range, 1.3-4.7) for (18)F-FDG and 1.5 (range, 1.1-3.5) for (18)F-FLT (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The numbers of laryngeal cancers detected with (18)F-FLT PET and (18)F-FDG PET were equal. In laryngeal cancer, the uptake of (18)F-FDG is higher than that of (18)F-FLT.     

Nonfunctioning endocrine pancreatic tumor examined with 18F-FDG PET/CT

A 71-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus complained of generalized fatigue. A 36-mm tumor in the pancreatic tail was detected with ultrasonography. The tumor was found to have marked hypervascularity with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance. Combined ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and CT (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) showed ¹⁸F-FDG by the tumor with a maximal standardized uptake value of 2.98 at 50 min and 3.29 at 100 min following injection of ¹⁸F-FDG. ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT suggested no extrapancreatic spread of the tumor. The patient had no pancreatic hormone-associated symptoms. Distal pancreatectomy was performed, and a well-differentiated endocrine tumor was diagnosed. The resected specimen showed neither infiltration of adjacent structures nor metastasis to regional lymph nodes. The present case suggests that ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT is a reliable modality for staging endocrine pancreatic tumors.     

MRI-based high-precision irradiation in an orthotopic pancreatic tumor mouse model

Background and purpose

Recently, imaging and high-precision irradiation devices for preclinical tumor models have been developed. Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) including innovative treatment planning techniques comparable to patient treatment can be achieved in a translational context. The study aims to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography (MRI/CT)-based treatment planning with different treatment techniques for high-precision radiation therapy (RT).

Materials and methods

In an orthotopic pancreatic cancer model, MRI/CT-based radiation treatment planning was established. Three irradiation techniques (rotational, 3D multifield, stereotactic) were performed with the SARRP system (Small Animal Radiation Research Platform, Xstrahl Ltd., Camberley, UK). Dose distributions in gross tumor volume (GTV) and organs at risk (OAR) were analyzed for each treatment setting.

Results

MRI with high soft tissue contrast improved imaging of GTV and OARs. Therefore MRI-based treatment planning enables precise contouring of GTV and OARs, thus, providing a perfect basis for an improved dose distribution and coverage of the GTV for all advanced radiation techniques.

Conclusion

An MRI/CT-based treatment planning for high-precision IGRT using different techniques was established in an orthotopic pancreatic tumor model. Advanced radiation techniques allow considering perfect coverage of GTV and sparing of OARs in the preclinical setting and reflect clinical treatment plans of pancreatic cancer patients.

     

肺癌18F-FLT PET和18F-FDG PET的临床对比研究

目的 探讨18F-FLT PET在肺癌诊断和肿瘤增殖检测方面的应用价值.方法 对2005年9月-2008年10月解放军总医院收治的36例(男27例,女9例,年龄38～74岁)胸部CT疑似肺癌患者进行18F-FLT PET扫描,对同期收治的42例(男29例,女13例,年龄37～75岁)胸部CT疑似肺癌患者进行18F-FD...     

18F-FDG和18F-FLT PET对肿瘤放化疗疗效评价的实验研究

PET可从分子水平观察细胞生物学行为。目前,临床上最常用的葡萄糖代谢显像剂是18F-FDG,而最常用的细胞增殖显像剂是3’-脱氧-3’-18F-氟胸腺嘧啶(18F-FLT)。这两种显像剂在肿瘤的诊断和分期方面已有深入广泛的研究,而在治疗后疗效评价方面的研究近年也很受重视,特别是肿瘤在放化疗前后对18F-FDG和18F-...     

18F-FDG PET/MRI中棕色脂肪组织摄取的影像学表现和规律分析

目的 研究并分析18F-氟脱氧葡萄糖（FDG）PET/MRI中棕色脂肪组织（BAT）摄取的影像学表现和规律。 方法 回顾性分析2017年7月至2020年1月于空军军医大学第二附属医院行18F-FDG PET/MRI检查的1 529名受检者的影像学资料和临床资料,其中男性836名、女性693名,年龄14~93（53.6±13.2）岁;BAT摄取18F-FDG阳性者31名,其中男性13名、女性18名,年龄16~61（33.3±11.6）岁。分析BAT摄取18F-FDG的PET/MRI影像学表现,选取18F-FDG摄取增高部位[以周围肌肉组织的最大标准化摄取值（SUV_max）为临界值],采用三维勾画法勾画感兴趣区,计算SUV_max和平均标准化摄取值（SUV_mean）。SUV_max和SUV_mean与性别及摄取部位数目的相关性采用Spearman相关性分析,与年龄、体重指数（BMI）、检查当日平均气温的相关性采用Pearson相关性分析。组间计数资料的比较采用χ2检验;计量资料的比较采用独立样本t检验。 结果 （1）BAT摄取18F-FDG阳性者的PET/MRI图像表现为颈部、锁骨上区、纵隔、脊柱两旁及肾上区等部位呈对称性分布的片状、结节状及串珠状的18F-FDG高摄取灶,MRI图像的T1加权成像（WI）、T2WI均呈高信号,频率衰减反转恢复序列呈低信号,弥散加权成像未见高信号。（2）BAT摄取多发生于寒冷的季节,男性和女性BAT摄取18F-FDG的阳性率差异无统计学意义（χ2=2.07,P=0.15）;BAT摄取18F-FDG阳性者的年龄、BMI和检查当日气温均明显低于阴性者[（33.3±11.7）岁对（ 54.1±13.5）岁、（21.89±2.79） kg/m2对（24.01±3.26） kg/m2、（7.5±6.5）℃对（16.5±11.9）℃],且差异均有统计学意义（t=?12.03、?5.15、?8.97,均P<0.001）。（3）BAT摄取的SUV_max和SUV_mean均与年龄、BMI呈负相关（r=?0.45~?0.36,均P<0.05）,与摄取BAT部位数量呈正相关（r=0.61、0.59,均P<0.001）,与性别和检查当日平均气温均无明显相关性（r=0.01~0.29,均P>0.05）。 结论 在18F-FDG PET/MRI显像中,BAT摄取存在特定的影像学表现和规律性,大多发生在寒冷的季节,年轻、偏瘦者较易出现。     

18F-FDG和18F-FLT PET/CT不同诊断方法在肺部单发结节中的临床价值分析

目的：探讨18F-FDG和18F-胸腺嘧啶核苷（FLT）PET/CT不同的诊断方法对肺部单发结节的诊断价值。方法对40例发现肺部单发结节的患者行18F-FDG和18F-FLT PET/CT显像,所有病例均经病理或密切随访确诊,应用受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线比较18F-FDG SUVmax、18F-FLT SUVmax、18F-FLT SUVmax/同层面椎体SUVmax对肺部恶性肿瘤的诊断价值;18F-FDG和18F-FLT PET/CT两种显像结果均行视觉分析和半定量分析,比较不同诊断方法的诊断效能。结果18F-FDG SUVmax、18F-FLT SUVmax及18F-FLT SUVmax/同层面椎体SUVmaxROC曲线下面积分别为0.687、0.821和0.817。以18F-FDG SUVmax>2.5、18F-FLT SUVmax>2.0为恶性诊断标准、18F-FDG PET/CT视觉分析评分法、18F-FLT PET/CT视觉分析评分法4种方法诊断肺癌的灵敏度、特异度和准确率分别为88.2%、73.9%和80.0%;58.8%、82.6%和72.5%;94.1%、91.3%和92.5%;88.2%、65.2%和75.0%。结论18F-FLT SUVmax及18F-FLT SUVmax/同层面椎体SUVmax单独诊断肺部恶性肿瘤的价值较18F-FDG SUVmax高,且前两者可替换使用。18F-FDG PET/CT视觉评分法在肺部单发结节良恶性的诊断中效能最佳。     

Selectivity of 18F-FLT and 18F-FDG for differentiating tumor from inflammation in a rodent model.

Increased glucose metabolism of inflammatory tissues is the main source of false-positive (18)F-FDG PET findings in oncology. It has been suggested that radiolabeled nucleosides might be more tumor specific. METHODS: To test this hypothesis, we compared the biodistribution of 3'-deoxy-3'-(18)F-fluorothymidine (FLT) and (18)F-FDG in Wistar rats that bore tumors (C6 rat glioma in the right shoulder) and also had sterile inflammation in the left calf muscle (induced by injection of 0.1 mL of turpentine). Twenty-four hours after turpentine injection, the rats received an intravenous bolus (30 MBq) of either (18)F-FLT (n = 5) or (18)F-FDG (n = 5). Pretreatment of the animals with thymidine phosphorylase (>1,000 U/kg, intravenously) before injection of (18)F-FLT proved to be necessary to reduce the serum levels of endogenous thymidine and achieve satisfactory tumor uptake of radioactivity. RESULTS: Tumor-to-muscle ratios of (18)F-FDG at 2 h after injection (13.2 +/- 3.0) were higher than those of (18)F-FLT (3.8 +/- 1.3). (18)F-FDG showed high physiologic uptake in brain and heart, whereas (18)F-FLT was avidly taken up by bone marrow. (18)F-FDG accumulated in the inflamed muscle, with 4.8 +/- 1.2 times higher uptake in the affected thigh than in the contralateral healthy thigh, in contrast to (18)F-FLT, for which this ratio was not significantly different from unity (1.3 +/- 0.4). CONCLUSION: In (18)F-FDG PET images, both tumor and inflammation were visible, but (18)F-FLT PET showed only the tumor. Thus, the hypothesis that (18)F-FLT has a higher tumor specificity was confirmed in our animal model.     

18F-FDG与18F-FLT PET/CT延迟显像对肺结节诊断效能的评价

目的 通过对多中心、前瞻性研究中接受了18F-脱氧葡萄糖(FDG)与18F-脱氧胸腺嘧啶核苷(FLT)延迟显像病例的分析,探讨18F-FDG与18F-FLT延迟显像对肺结节诊断的效能.方法 6个PET/CT中心,从2006年1月至2007年6月,按照统一标准,采用同机型、同一扫描条件,开展了肺结节样病变18F-FLT和18F-FDG PET/CT显像的多中心临床研究.在经确诊的55例病例中,25例患者进行了18F-FLT显像和延迟显像,34例患者进行了18F-FDG延迟显像.按常规计算延迟显像时病灶最大标准摄取值(SUVmax)及与早期显像时SUVmax相比的变化率(△SUVmax).对照临床确诊结果分析其诊断效能.采用SPSS11.0软件进行统计学处理.结果 18F-FDG延迟显像患者中,6例肺癌中5例、12例结核中9例、16例炎症或其他良性结节中9例的SUVmax较早期相升高.18F-FLT延迟显像组中,7例肺癌中3例、8例结核中3例和10例其他良性病灶中2例的SUVmax上升.经分组统计分析,不同疾病组间18F-FDG延迟显像SUVmax和△SUVmax差异无统计学意义;18F-FLT延迟显像SUVmax和△SUVmax组间差异也无统计学意义.无论18F-FDG还是18F-FLT,延迟显像的诊断效能均不如早期相.无论早期还是延迟显像,单独18F-FDG或18F-FLT显像的诊断效能均不如二者联合应用.结论 18F-FDG和18F-FLT延迟显像的SUVmax变化规律性不强,不宜单独应用于肺结节的鉴别诊断.     

Initial clinical results of simultaneous 18F-FDG PET/MRI in comparison to 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with head and neck cancer

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic capability of simultaneous ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/MRI compared to ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT as well as their single components in head and neck cancer patients.

Methods

In a prospective study 17 patients underwent ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT for staging or follow-up and an additional ¹⁸F-FDG PET/MRI scan with whole-body imaging and dedicated examination of the neck. MRI, CT and PET images as well as PET/MRI and PET/CT examinations were evaluated independently and in a blinded fashion by two reader groups. Results were compared with the reference standard (final diagnosis determined in consensus using all available data including histology and follow-up). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated.

Results

A total of 23 malignant tumours were found with the reference standard. PET/CT showed a sensitivity of 82.7 %, a specificity of 87.3 %, a PPV of 73.2 % and a NPV of 92.4 %. Corresponding values for PET/MRI were 80.5, 88.2, 75.6 and 92.5 %. No statistically significant difference in diagnostic capability could be found between PET/CT and PET/MRI. Evaluation of the PET part from PET/CT revealed highest sensitivity of 95.7 %, and MRI showed best specificity of 96.4 %. There was a high inter-rater agreement in all modalities (Cohen’s kappa 0.61–0.82).

Conclusion

PET/MRI of patients with head and neck cancer yielded good diagnostic capability, similar to PET/CT. Further studies on larger cohorts to prove these first results seem justified.     

BioXmark for high-precision radiotherapy in an orthotopic pancreatic tumor mouse model

Background and purpose

High-precision radiotherapy (RT) requires precise positioning, particularly with high single doses. Fiducial markers in combination with onboard imaging are excellent tools to support this. The purpose of this study is to establish a pancreatic cancer mouse model for high-precision image-guided RT (IGRT) using the liquid fiducial marker BioXmark (Nanovi, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark).

Methods

In an animal-based cancer model, different volumes of BioXmark (10–50?µl), application forms, and imaging modalities—cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT) incorporated in either the Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP) or the small-animal micro-CT Scanner (SkyScan; Bruker, Brussels, Belgium)—as well as subsequent RT with the SARRP system were analyzed to derive recommendations for BioXmark.

Results

Even small volumes (10?µl) of BioXmark could be detected by CBCT (SARRP and Skyscan). Larger volumes (50?µl) led to hardening artefacts. The position of BioXmark was monitored at least weekly by CBCT and was stable over 4 months. BioXmark was shown to be well tolerated; no changes in physical condition or toxic side effects were observed in comparison to control mice. BioXmark enabled an exact fusion with the original treatment plan with less hardening artefacts, and minimized the application of contrast agent for fractionated RT.

Conclusion

An orthotopic pancreatic tumor mouse model was established for high-precision IGRT using a fiducial marker. BioXmark was successfully tested and provides the perfect basis for improved imaging in high-precision RT. BioXmark enables a unique application method and optimal targeted precision in fractionated RT. Therefore, preclinical trials evaluating novel fractionation regimens and/or combination treatment with high-end RT can be performed.

     

18F-FLT PET/CT与18F-FDG PET/CT在鼻咽癌诊断和分期中的应用比较

目的 通过与18F-FDG PET/CT显像对比,探讨18 F-FLT PET/CT检测鼻咽癌原发灶和颈部淋巴结转移灶的可行性.方法 12例初治且经病理确诊的鼻咽癌患者(年龄22～62岁)自愿进入该前瞻性临床研究.每位患者先行18F-FDG PET/CT检查,次日行18F-FLF PET/CT检查.至少有2位核医学科和放射科医师阅片,比较18F-FDG PET/CT和18F-FLT PET/CT图像,采用ROI技术计算鼻咽肿瘤、颈部淋巴结转移灶、正常组织对18F-FDG、18F-FLT的SUVmax、SUVmean和MTV.采用非参数Wilcoxon秩和检验比较组间摄取和MTV差异.结果 12例鼻咽癌患者病灶均明显摄取18F-FLT.18F-FLT PET/CT和18F-FDG PET/CT均可准确诊断该组病例,二者对原发灶和淋巴结转移灶的检测结果无明显差别.鼻咽癌病灶的18F-FDG和18F-FLT SUVmax分别为10.7±5.8和6.0±2.4,SUVmean分别为5.8±3.0和3.6±1.5;SUVmax和SUVmean组间差异均有统计学意义(Z=-2.589和-2.353,P均＜0.05),而 MTV在18F-FDG和8F-FLT PET/CT 2种显像方法之问的差异无统计学意义(15.9±9.2和18.1±11.1;Z=-0.786,P＞0.05).6例有颈部淋巴结转移灶患者的SUVmax、SUVmean和MTV在2种显像方法间差异均无统计学意义(8.5±6.2比6.4±2.5、5.3±4.2比3.8±1.4、6.5 ±4.8比6.0±4.4;Z=-0.734、-0.734和-0.674,P均＞0.05).18F-FLT在颞叶摄取(SUVmax 0.7±0.3)明显低于18F-FDG(SUVmax 8.3±2.7;Z=-3.062,P＜0.01),其对于原发灶颅内浸润显示较18F-FDG更清晰.结论 18F-FLT PET/CT在鼻咽癌原发灶和淋巴结转移灶的诊断效能与18F-FDG PET/CT相当,对于显示原发灶的颅底附近侵犯更有利,其临床应用值得进一步研究.     

Evaluation of gross tumor size using CT, 18F-FDG PET, integrated 18F-FDG PET/CT and pathological analysis in non-small cell lung cancer

Purpose

The correlation of gross tumor sizes between combined ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT images and macroscopic surgical samples has not yet been studied in detail. In the present study, we compared CT, ¹⁸F-FDG PET and combined ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT for the delineation of gross tumor volume (GTV) and validated the results through examination of the macroscopic surgical specimen.

Methods

Fifty-two operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients had integrated ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scans preoperatively and pathological examination post-operation. Four separate maximal tumor sizes at X (lateral direction), Y (ventro-dorsal direction) and Z (cranio-caudal direction) axis were measured on ¹⁸F-FDG PET, CT, combined ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT and surgical specimen, respectively. Linear regression was calculated for each of the three imaging measurements versus pathological measurement.

Results

No significant differences were observed among the tumor sizes measured by three images and pathological method. Compared with pathological measurement, CT size at X, Y, Z axis was larger, whereas combined ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT and ¹⁸F-FDG PET size were smaller. Combined ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT size was more similar to the pathological size than that of ¹⁸F-FDG PET or CT. Results of linear regressions showed that integrated ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT was the most accurate modality in measuring the size of cancer.

Conclusions

¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT correlates more faithfully with pathological findings than ¹⁸F-FDG PET or CT. Integrated ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT is an effective tool to define the target of GTV in radiotherapy.     

18F-FLT和18F-FDG PET/CT对胸段食管癌淋巴结分期诊断的对比研究

目的 评价18F-脱氧胸苷（FLT）PET/CT对未经治疗的胸段食管癌淋巴结分期诊断的价值,并与18F-脱氧葡萄糖（FDG）PET/CT进行比较.方法 选择22例拟行手术治疗的胸段食管癌患者,术前行双显像剂PET/CT检查及淋巴结分期诊断,术后以病理学诊断为＂金标准＂,比较18F-FLT和18F-FDG PET/CT对胸段食管癌淋巴结分期的灵敏度、特异性、准确性、阳性预测值和阴性预测值.应用SPSS 13.0软件进行x2检验.结果 患者均行食管癌切除和淋巴结清扫术,病理检查结果显示16例患者存在淋巴结转移,N0期7例,N1期15例,M1a期6例（其中1例为N0M1a,另外5例为N1M1a）,全组均无M1b期.共检出424枚淋巴结,其中47枚为转移淋巴结.18F-FDG PET/CT诊断呈假阳性的淋巴结14枚,而18F-FLT诊断呈假阳性的淋巴结为3枚;18F-FDG假阴性的淋巴结8枚,18F-FLT假阴性的淋巴结12枚.18F-FLT PET/CT的诊断灵敏度、特异性、准确性、阴性预测值和阳性预测值分别为74.47%（35/47）、99.20%（374/377）、96.46%（409/424）、96.89%（374/386）和92.11%（35/38）,18F-FDG分别为82.98%（39/47）、96.29%（363/377）、94.81%（402/424）、97.84%（363/371）和73.58%（39/53）;两者比较的x2值分别为0.572,6.018,1.017,0.348,3.852,P值分别＞0.05,＜0.05、＞0.05、＞0.05和＞0.05.结论 18F-FLT对食管癌区域淋巴结的诊断灵敏度与18F-FDG显像接近,特异性高于18F-FDG,但仍存在一定的局限性.     

Imaging gastric cancer with PET and the radiotracers 18F-FLT and 18F-FDG: a comparative analysis.

In this pilot study, we evaluated 3'-deoxy-3'-(18)F-fluorothymidine (FLT) PET for the detection of gastric cancer and compared the diagnostic accuracy with that of (18)F-FDG PET. METHODS: Forty-five patients (31 male and 14 female) with histologically proven locally advanced gastric cancer underwent attenuation-corrected whole-body (18)F-FLT PET and (18)F-FDG PET/CT (low-dose CT). (18)F-FLT emission images were acquired on a full-ring PET scanner 45 min after the injection of 270-340 MBq of (18)F-FLT. (18)F-FDG PET/CT was performed 60 min after the injection of 300-370 MBq of (18)F-FDG. Mean standardized uptake values for (18)F-FLT and (18)F-FDG were calculated using circular ROIs (diameter, 1.5 cm) in the primary tumor manifestation site, in a reference segment of the liver, and in the bone marrow and were compared on a lesion-by-lesion basis. RESULTS: According to the Lauren classification, 15 tumors (33%) were of the intestinal subtype and 30 (67%) of the nonintestinal subtype. (18)F-FLT PET images showed high contrast for the primary tumor and proliferating bone marrow. In all patients (45/45), focal (18)F-FLT uptake could be detected in the primary tumor. In contrast, 14 primary tumors were negative for (18)F-FDG uptake, with lesional (18)F-FDG uptake lower than or similar to background activity. The mean standardized uptake value for (18)F-FLT in malignant primaries was 6.0 +/- 2.5 (range, 2.4-12.7). In the subgroup of (18)F-FDG-positive patients, the mean value for (18)F-FDG was 8.4 +/- 4.1 (range, 3.8/19.0), versus 6.8 +/- 2.6 for (18)F-FLT (Wilcoxon test: P = 0.03). Comparison of mean (18)F-FLT and (18)F-FDG uptake in tumors with signet ring cells revealed no statistically significant difference between the tracers (6.2 +/- 2.1 for (18)F-FLT vs. 6.4 +/- 2.8 for (18)F-FDG; Wilcoxon test: P = 0.94). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that imaging gastric cancer with the proliferation marker (18)F-FLT is feasible. (18)F-FLT PET was more sensitive than (18)F-FDG PET, especially in tumors frequently presenting without or with low (18)F-FDG uptake, and may improve early evaluation of response to neoadjuvant treatment.