Whole-Body FDG Positron Emission Tomographic Imaging for Staging Esophageal Cancer

Abstract

The relatively low sensitivity of PET for identifying locoregional lesions precludes its replacement of conventional CT staging. However, the primary advantage of PET imaging is its superior specificity for tumor detection and improved diagnostic value for distant metastatic sites, features that may substantially affect patient management decisions. In conclusion, PET imaging is useful in the initial staging of esophageal cancer and provides additional and complementary information to that obtained by CT imaging.

Can hybrid FDG-PET/CT detect subclinical lymph node metastasis of esophageal cancer appropriately and contribute to radiation treatment planning? A comparison of image-based and pathological findings

“…The accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of FDG-PET for lymphatic metastasis of esophageal cancer in the present study were consistent with those of previously reported series (15)(16)(17)(18). Meltzer et al have reported that FDG-PET had 35-41% sensitivity and 90% specificity, versus 63-87% sensitivity and 14-43% specificity for CT (15).…”

Value of baseline positron emission tomography for predicting overall survival in patient with nonmetastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal junction carcinoma

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] A prospective trial conducted by De Young et al 19 compared the utility of PET versus CT and EUS in 48 patients with esophageal carcinoma and found that nodal staging by PET was correct in 83% of patients compared with 60% of patients for CT and 58% for EUS. Clearly, data on larger number of patients are needed for firm conclusions.…”

Comparison between positron emission tomography and computed tomography in the use of the assessment of esophageal carcinoma

“…As a result of these factors and proximity, it may be difficult to distinguish between involved lymph nodes and the intense uptake of FDG in a primary tumor. 20,21 Several authors have reported that FDG-PET shows greater sensitivity than CT in the diagnosis of involved regional lymph nodes and have suggested that PET may have a role as a staging modality in esophageal carcinoma. [12][13][14] One study showed that PET had a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for lymph nodes metastases of 92% (12/13), 88% (7/8), and 90% (19/21), respectively, compared with 38% (5/13), 100% (8/8), and 59% (13/22), respectively, for CT scanning.…”