Role of FDG-PET in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal liver metastases.
Positron emission tomography (PET) using [(18)F]-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-d-glucose (FDG) has emerged as a promising diagnostic modality in recurrent colorectal cancer. Data in the literature show that the addition of FDG-PET changes disease management in up to 30% of patients with potentially resectable liver metastases, mainly by detecting previously unknown extrahepatic disease. Furthermore, FDG-PET is useful in the follow-up of patients who underwent surgical procedures of the liver, since it is exquisitely sensitive in detecting residual or relapse malignancy in scarred liver tissue following both resection and local ablative techniques. For follow-up during systemic therapy, early FDG-PET appears predictive for response to therapy. However, at present, the available data are insufficient to justify the FDG-PET-driven management of patients treated with chemotherapy. FDG-PET and computerized tomography are complimentary techniques in staging and restaging patients with advanced colorectal cancer. The combination of these two modalities significantly impacts upon patient management.
University Medical Center Nijmegen, Department of Nuclear Medicine, PO BOX 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. b.wiering@chir.umcn.nl
Bastiaan
B
Wiering
Theo J M
TJ
Ruers
Wim J G
WJ
Oyen
D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18