title: Impact of ¹⁸F-FDG-PET in decision making for liver metastectomy of colorectal cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The ability of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) to impact on management of patients with recurrent colorectal cancer is high. However, direct impact of FDG-PET on surgical management of patients with potentially resectable hepatic metastases is limited.
  
  
  METHODS
  FDG-PET scans of patients with colorectal cancer at Austin Hospital in a 2-year period were retrospectively evaluated. Data were collected on patient demographics, scan indication and sites of disease pre- and post-PET. Results of standard imaging tests and FDG-PET scans were analysed. The potential impact of FDG-PET on proposed surgical management plans was assessed by an experienced surgeon.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 585 FDG-PET scans performed on 470 patients (309M : 161F, mean age 61.9 years) with colorectal cancer. Hepatic metastases were identified on standard imaging in 232 (39.7%) patients, and FDG-PET confirmed hepatic metastasis in 203 cases, including 22 cases with new lesions, and clarified presence of disease in 34/37 (92%) cases with equivocal standard imaging. In 54 patients, FDG-PET was performed for disease assessment before hepatic resection. FDG-PET had substantial management plan impact in 36/54 (66.7%) patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  FDG-PET can profoundly impact on the management plan of patients with colorectal cancer who may be suitable for hepatic metastectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Andrew R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: McLeish
authors.forename: Sze Ting
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Amanda J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Byrne
authors.forename: Andrew M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Scott
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D005260:Female; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D006498:Hepatectomy; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18