Can [F-18]FDG PET imaging predict early response to chemotherapy in breast cancer patients?

Abstract

e14577 Background: The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of literature data and see if [F-18]FDG and PET imaging can be used to predict the early response to chemotherapy based upon the measure of standard uptake value (SUV) or drug uptake ratio (DUR; a measure of glycolytic index) in breast cancer patients. This intervention may identify the responders for continued therapy or identify the non- responders for change of therapy. Methods: A literature search determined the number of studies that used PET-FDG imaging to monitor the response of various chemotherapies in breast cancer patients. A total of nine studies have been reviewed that used SUV/DUR as a measure of glycolytic activity of the primary tumors. The percent decrease of SUV over baseline was determined for chemotherapy cycle 1 and for subsequent cycles. A paired t-test was performed to see the statistical significance of the SUV decrease. Results: Five (n=158) studies presented the data in % mean reduction in SUV and four (n=59) studies presented SUV values for the individual patient. The average decrease in SUV in responders were 29% and 51% after first and second cycle, respectively. The non responders did not show significant change in SUV as compared to responders. Conclusion: The preliminary data mining and analysis strongly implies that PET imaging using [F-18]FDG may be used to monitor the progress of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. This study was supported by a grant from OWH, FDA. The results do not represent official FDA position. No significant financial relationships to disclose.