FDG-PET in the management of germ cell tumor

Abstract

Germ cell tumor is the most common malignancy in young men. The cure rate of these patients has tremendously increased in the cisplatin era, and recent results have indicated that the management of patients with GCT is still improving. The use of FDG-PET in the management of patients with GCT has been recently investigated. This report attempts to comprehensively review new advances and delineate the potential applications of FDG-PET in GCT.

Increased 18F-FDG Uptake by a Retroperitoneal Mature Cystic Teratoma in an Infant

“…Primary retroperitoneal nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) is a rarely encountered neoplasm, accounting for only 1%Y2.5% of all germ cell tumors. 4 However, our case showed increased FDG uptake in the solid portion of the benign mature teratoma and pathologically the solid portion was composed of abundant central nervous tissue. 1 The presence of hemorrhage or necrosis in a predominantly solid mass and invasion of adjacent structures are suggestive of malignancy.…”

18F-FDG-PET/CT in a patient with suspected recurrence of germ cell tumor

“…[2,8] In conclusion, PET/CT could be useful in the management of patients with a GCT with high risk of recurrence, detecting potential relapses of disease non-invasively and being able to influence the clinical strategy. [1][2][3]6,8] Further clinical trials are necessary in order to confirm the utilities of PET scan in this field, together with cost-effective studies. …”

“…[1][2][3] These malignancies present a good overall prognosis; however, a significant more elevated risk of disease recurrence has been documented in patients with advanced GCT in complete remission after chemotherapy than patients in stage I. The follow-up strategy in this group of high-risk relapse patients depends on the histological examination, the sites of metastases, the prognostic group, and the treatment administered.…”

Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Mediastinal Masses

“…Matür teratomun F-18 FDG ile görüntülenmesi normal/normale yakın glikoz metabolizması olan, düşük proliferasyon oranı gösteren benign bir oluşum olduğundan zordur (41,42,43,44). Tedavi genel olarak total cerrahi yapılmasıdır.…”