Imaging in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: the value of 18-Florine Fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT in comparison to conventional imaging modalities CT and MRI

Abstract

Background. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of 18F Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET/CT) in the management of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in comparison to conventional imaging modalities.

Methods. This retrospective study was done at Ospedale Niguarda, Milan, Italy. Data were acquired from 24 NPC patients between May 2003 and December 2006. They had FDG PET/CT and CT or MRI during the initial diagnosis and at follow-up. Each finding was tabulated and compared with tissue biopsy at diagnosis and clinical status during the follow up after the therapy. A statistical calculation was done to derive the value of each modality.

Results. The sensitivity and accuracy of PET/CT and CT/MRI were equally high at diagnosis. At the follow up, a negative PET/CT finding suggested a complete remission with sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100%.

Conclusions. 18F FDG PET/CT is a potential modality to be utilized in following up NPC patients for evaluating a response to therapy.