title: Possible role of FDG-PET in the early prediction of therapy outcome in liver metastases of colorectal cancer.
abstract: Nonresectable colorectal cancer metastases in the liver respond to chemotherapy in 20-25% only. Early identification of nonresponders might allow the use of other regimens. In a limited feasibility study, it should be determined whether (a) a single high-dose chemotherapy application has an early effect on glucose-utilization, detectable and quantitatable by noninvasive positron emission tomography using [18F]-Fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG-PET) and (b) assess its value as a predictor of the final therapeutic outcome. A total of 10 patients with documented nonresectable liver metastases of a colorectal cancer were studied by FDG-PET, prior and 72 h after a single infusion of 5-Fluorouracil and Folinic acid (5-FU/FA). Glucose utilization was quantitated by determination of standard-uptake values and correlated with final therapy outcome following completion of the anticipated therapy cycle. Patients were followed up for at least 6 months. All metastases responding to therapy (n = 6) exerted a statistically significant decrease of FDG uptake (-22+/-10%), metastases (n = 2) showing a short-term effect (duration of tumor reduction <3 months) had a slightly diminished, and progressing metastases (n = 3) an enhanced FDG uptake (13+/-17%). Our preliminary data indicate that acute changes of glucose utilization-as detected by FDG-PET-following a single application of chemotherapy, seems to be indicative for the final therapeutic outcome, at least in liver metastases of colorectal cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Bonn, Germany.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bender
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bangard
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Metten
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bangard
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mezger
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schomburg
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Biersack
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil