FDG-PET helps assess recurrent colon cancer

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Pooled data from numerous studies indicate that positron emission tomography (PET) using fluor-18-deoxyglucose (FDG) is highly effective in the diagnosis of recurrent colorectal carcinoma, Chinese researchers report in the January issue of the International Journal of Cancer. They also strongly endorse the approach.

Senior investigator Dr. Gang Huang told Reuters Health, "We have done a lot of clinical and research work using 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with cancer for early diagnosing, staging -- extent and location -- assessing therapeutic targets, monitoring therapy, and evaluating prognoses."

In the current study, Dr. Huang of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of 27 trials.

The pooled sensitivity and specificity for FDG-PET detecting distant metastasis or whole body involvement were 0.91 and 0.83, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for detection of liver metastasis were 0.97 and 0.98. For pelvic metastasis or local regional recurrence, pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.94 and 0.94.

Thus, the researchers conclude that "FDG-PET is valuable for the assessment of recurrent colorectal carcinoma."

Dr. Huang added, "In our department, there are more than 3500 PET/CT procedures performed per year."

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