The role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to assess the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Materials and Methods: The literature was searched using MEDLINE and ScienceDirect databases. Studies comparing fusion imaging PET/CT with other imaging modalities in the staging, identifying secondary metastasis, treatment response assessment, and follow-up of OSCC, were deemed eligible. Results: Six studies met the inclusion criteria. The average mean was found to be 85.47%, 78.80%, 78.50%, and 89.22% for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value, respectively. The risk of bias graph shows that there was 50% low risk of bias in selection of patients, more than 25% low risk of bias in conduct/interpretation of the index test, and > 25% risk of bias in reference standard. 18F-FDG PET/CT is a good prognostic factor for overall and progression-free survival. Conclusion: FDG PET/CT has a good diagnostic accuracy for identifying metastatic nodes, especially subcentimeter metastatic nodes that appear morphologically normal on CT images. PET/CT is promising in the diagnosis and evaluation of distant metastases and for identifying unknown and second primary malignancies. Advances in Knowledge: Fusion imaging is gaining importance with its ability to identify tumor as small as 0.5 mm and provide early diagnosis, thereby increasing quality of life of patients. PET/CT provides valuable information for therapeutic planning, therapeutic assessment, follow-up, and surveillance in the care of patients with OSCC.