The correlation of tumor markers, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and FDG PET/CT measures in pancreatic cancer

Abstract

Background This review will outline the correlation of tumor markers and NLR (Neutrophil/ lymphocyte ratio) with measures such as MTV (mean total volume), TLG (total lesion glycolysis), and SUV (standard uptake value) in 18 F FDG PET/CT in pancreatic carcinoma with the goal of selection of appropriate treatment modality and decrease rates of treatment failure and recurrences in pancreatic carcinoma by using tumor markers. In this way, we can predict the results of imaging modalities, using easy lab technics such as NLR and tumor markers.Material and Methods 45 patients newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer were included in the study.The diagnosis was confirmed by cytology. Their tumor marker levels (CA 19.9, CEA and AFP), NLR and PET/CT measurements (SUVmax, SUVmean, TLG, MTV) were obtained. Patients that were already diagnosed, followed up, or treated by the oncology department, were excluded. Results When tumor markers were compared with PET/CT measurements (SUVmax, SUVmean, TLG, MTV and tumor size) there were no significant difference between them. Also, total uptake values of organs (liver, spleen, pancreas) were not related with tumor marker levels. However, there were positive significant correlation between tumor size and SUVmax, SUVmean, TLG (p=0.