The response rate of PET-CT in the follow-up of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value and the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-18-FDG PET/CT) during the follow-up of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. F-18-FDG PET/CT scanner combines functional and anatomical information in a synergistic manner to improve diagnostic interpretation. METHODS: Sixty-five patients (53 males, 12 females; mean age: 63.94 years, range: 31-87 years) with a diagnosis of cancer of the head and neck region were observed and treated by the interdisciplinary group for the treatment of head and neck cancer of the University ENT Department in Chieti, Italy. They were scanned by F-18-FDG PET/CT during follow-up. RESULTS: We evaluated the responses of PET/CT and checked their reliability; we also decided to re-evaluate the patients (with a clinical revaluation and/or with radiological tests and/or with a histological examination). We found a concordance of results in 52 of 65 patients. CONCLUSIONS: PET/CT is useful in the follow-up of HNSCC patients and its results have been considered at the light of the high risk for local residual disease, recurrence, distant metastases, second primary tumors. Its employ can change in the future the pattern of the follow-up of these patients.