Detection Of Metastases In Patients Research Articles

Salvage lymphadenectomy for recurrent prostate cancer

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-based positron emission tomography (PET) imaging allows early detection of metastases in patients with biochemical recurrence. Salvage lymphadenectomy became awidely used method of metastasis-directed treatment. Retrospective analyses show that alow prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value and presence of no more than two affected lymph nodes within the pelvis are factors associated with agood outcome. In all, 40-80% of patients achieve acomplete biochemical response with amean time without biochemical recurrence of 8months and aprolonged treatment-free interval. About 10% of patients with acomplete biochemical response will live without recurrence after 10years. The utilization of PSMA-radioguided surgery increases the likelihood of intraoperative detection of suspicious affected lymph nodes. Complications can mostly be avoided by prudent patient selection and surgical expertise.

Surveillance for Metastasis in High-Risk Uveal Melanoma Patients: Standard versus Enhanced Protocols.

to evaluate the effectiveness of enhanced surveillance protocols (EP) utilizing high frequency (HF) or enhanced modality (EM) compared to the standard protocol (SP) in detecting metastasis and determining their impact on overall survival (OS) in high-risk uveal melanoma (UM) patients. A total of 87 consecutive patients with Class 2 (high risk) primary UM were enrolled, with negative baseline systemic staging. The patients underwent systemic surveillance with either SP (hepatic ultrasonography [US] every 6 months) or EP (either HF [US every 3 months] or EM [incorporation hepatic computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging]) following informed discussion. The main outcome measures were largest diameter of largest hepatic metastasis (LDLM), number of hepatic metastatic lesions, time to detection of metastasis (TDM), and OS. This study revealed significant differences in LDLM between surveillance protocols, with the use of EP detecting smaller metastatic lesions (HF, EM, and SP were 1.5 cm, 1.6 cm, and 6.1 cm, respectively). Patients on the EM protocol had a lower 24-month cumulative incidence of >3 cm metastasis (3.5% EM vs. 39% SP; p = 0.021), while those on the HF protocol had a higher 24-month cumulative incidence of ≤3 cm metastasis compared to SP (31% HF vs. 10% SP; p = 0.017). Hazard of death following metastasis was significantly reduced in the EP (HR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.84), HF (HR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.84), and EM (HR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.5) groups compared to SP. However, TDM and OS did not significantly differ between protocols. Enhanced surveillance protocols improved early detection of hepatic metastasis in UM patients but did not translate into a survival advantage in our study cohort. However, early detection of metastasis in patients receiving liver-directed therapies may lead to improved overall survival.

Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer: A Step Toward Precision Medicine for Real-Time Monitoring of Metastasis

Tumor metastasis involves the dissemination of malignant cells into the basement membrane and vascular system contributes to the circulating pool of these markers. In this context our aim has been focused on development of a non-invasive score based on degradation of glycosaminoglycans in the extracellular matrix for assessment of metastasis in patients with breast cancer. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent a unique liquid biopsy carrying comprehensive biological information of the primary tumor. Herein, we sought to develop a novel score based on the combination of the most significant CTCs biomarkers with and routine laboratory tests for accurate detection of Metastases in patients with breast cancer. Cytokeratin 18 (CK18), Cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and CA15.3 were assayed in metastatic breast cancer patients (88), non-metastatic breast cancer patients (129) and healthy control (32). Areas under receiving operating curve (AUCs) were calculated and used for construction on novel score. A novel score named CTC-MBS = CA15.3 (U/L) × 0.08 + CK 18 % × 2.9 + CK19 × 3.1. CTC-MBS score produces AUC of 1 for differentiate patients with metastatic breast cancer from those with non-metastatic breast cancer with sensitivity and specificity of a cut-off 0 (i.e., less than 0 the case is considered metastatic, whereas above 0 it is considered non-metastatic. CTC-MBS score is a novel, non-invasive and simple can applied to discriminate patients with metastatic breast cancer and could replace CA15.3 during screening and follow-up of breast cancer patients.

ДИАГНОСТИЧЕСКИЕ ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ ПЭТ/КТ С 18F-PSMA-1007 В ОБНАРУЖЕНИИ МЕТАСТАТИЧЕСКОГО ПОРАЖЕНИЯ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С ВПЕРВЫЕ ВЫЯВЛЕННЫМ РАКОМ ПРЕДСТАТЕЛЬНОЙ ЖЕЛЕЗЫ

Introduction. The initial detection of regional and/or distant metastases in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer (PCa) is important for the management and disease prognosis. Conventional diagnostic imaging methods have certain limitations and do not allow a comprehensive assessment of the tumor spread. In recent years the use of positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) with ligands of the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has been rapidly expanding in oncological practice. The aim of the study was to analyze the diagnostic performance of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT for the detection of metastases in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Material and methods. The study included 52 patients with newly diagnosed high-risk PCa, who underwent 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT. In all patients, there were no regional and/or distant metastases according to results of conventional imaging methods (bone scan, computed (or magnetic resonance) tomography of the pelvis). The conclusion about the presence or absence of metastases was made based on pathomorphological verification (in 27 patients) or using all available imaging and clinical follow-up as a reference. Results. Of the 52 patients included in the analysis, 26 (50.0%) had PCa metastases. Of these, 25 (48.1% of total cases) patients had true positive 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT. False-positive findings occurred in 2 cases. The positive predictive value of the method was 96.1%. In a univariate analysis of factors associated with true-positive PET/CT results, only the T-stage and Gleason score demonstrated statistically significant predictive value (p<0.05). According to multivariate analysis, only the Gleason score was statistically significantly associated with true positive findings on 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT (p=0.03). The most unfavorable in terms of the risk of detecting metastases was the group of patients with a Gleason score 7 (4+3) -10 (metastasis rate was 62.2%). Conclusion. 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT is an informative method for the detection of metastases in patients with newly diagnosed high risk PCa. 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT may be recommended in patients with Gleason score 4+3 or higher due to the high probability of regional and/or distant metastases, which were not detected by conventional methods.

The Value of 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT in the Postoperative Assessment of Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma.

The therapeutic approaches of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) are surgery, ablation therapy with the postoperative use of radioiodine-131 (131I), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression therapy. After the surgical therapy, the patient should be assessed for remnants/metastases. The purpose of this research was to investigate the role of technetium-99m-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) in the postoperative management of patients with DTC. The study comprised 22 DTC patients (13 women, 9 men; mean age 46.55 ± 13.27 y) who underwent a total thyroidectomy previously. All patients were investigated for thyroid remnants/ metastases by99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT, posttherapy 131I whole-body scan (WBS) and ultrasound (US). Serum TSH, thyroglobulin and anti-Tg antibody levels were measured. Results of imaging modalities and laboratory measurements were compared with each other. 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT, 131I WBS and US respectively demonstrated thyroid remnants in 15 (68.18%), 22 (100%) and 14 (63.63%) of all patients and metastatic lymph nodes in 8 (100%), 6 (75%) and 6 (75%) of the 8 patients with lymph node metastases.99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT also demonstrated lung metastases in 2 patients (9.09% of all patients). The same result was obtained with 131I WBS. The findings of this study show that 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT can be effective for detecting metastases in patients with DTC who underwent surgery prior to 131I therapy.

CT Colonography for Early Detection of Peritoneal Metastasis in Patients with Gastric Cancer

CT Colonography for Early Detection of Peritoneal Metastasis in Patients with Gastric Cancer

Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography (CT) for the detection of bone, lung, and lymph node metastases in rhabdomyosarcoma.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common paediatric soft-tissue sarcoma and can emerge throughout the whole body. For patients with newly diagnosed RMS, prognosis for survival depends on multiple factors such as histology, tumour site, and extent of the disease. Patients with metastatic disease at diagnosis have impaired prognosis compared to those with localised disease. Appropriate staging at diagnosis therefore plays an important role in choosing the right treatment regimen for an individual patient. Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is a functional molecular imaging technique that uses the increased glycolysis of cancer cells to visualise both structural information and metabolic activity. 18F-FDG-PET combined with computed tomography (CT) could help to accurately stage the extent of disease in patients with newly diagnosed RMS. In this review we aimed to evaluate whether 18F-FDG-PET could replace other imaging modalities for the staging of distant metastases in RMS. To determine the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging for the detection of bone, lung, and lymph node metastases in RMS patients at first diagnosis. We searched MEDLINE in PubMed (from 1966 to 23 December 2020) and Embase in Ovid (from 1980 to 23 December 2020) for potentially relevant studies. We also checked the reference lists of relevant studies and review articles; scanned conference proceedings; and contacted the authors of included studies and other experts in the field of RMS for information about any ongoing or unpublished studies. We did not impose any language restrictions. We included cross-sectional studies involving patients with newly diagnosed proven RMS, either prospective or retrospective, if they reported the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in diagnosing lymph node involvement or bone metastases or lung metastases or a combination of these metastases. We included studies that compared the results of the 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging with those of histology or with evaluation by a multidisciplinary tumour board as reference standard. Two review authors independently performed study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessement according to Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2). We analysed data for the three outcomes (nodal involvement and lung and bone metastases) separately. We used data from the 2 × 2 tables (consisting of true positives, false positives, true negatives, and false negatives) to calculate sensitivity and specificity in each study and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. We did not consider a formal meta-analysis to be relevant because of the small number of studies and substantial heterogeneity between studies. Two studies met our inclusion criteria. The diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG-PET/CT was reported in both studies, which included a total of 36 participants. We considered both studies to be at high risk of bias for the domain reference standard. We considered one study to be at high risk of bias for the domain index test and flow and timing. Sensitivity and specificity of 18F-FDG-PET/CT for the detection of bone metastases was 100% in both studies (95% confidence interval (CI) for sensitivity was 29% to 100% in study one and 40% to 100% in study two; 95% CI for specificity was 83% to 100% in study one and 66% to 100% in study two). The reported sensitivity of 18F-FDG-PET/CT for the detection of lung metastases was not calculated since only two participants in study two showed lung metastases, of which one was detected by 18F-FDG-PET/CT. Reported specificity was 96% in study one (95% CI 78% to 100%) and 100% (95% CI 72% to 100%) in study two. The reported sensitivity for the detection of nodal involvement was 100% (95% CI 63% to 100% in study one and 40% to 100% in study two); the reported specificity was 100% (95% CI 78% to 100%) in study one and 89% (95% CI 52% to 100%) in study two. The diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG-PET/CT for the detection of bone, lung, and lymph node metastases was reported in only two studies including a total of only 36 participants with newly diagnosed RMS. Because of the small number of studies (and participants), there is currently insufficient evidence to reliably determine the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in the detection of distant metastases. Larger series evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG-PET/CT for the detection of metastases in patients with RMS are necessary.

ANALYSIS OF THE DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY AND POSITRON EMISSION COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY WITH 18F-FDG IN IDENTIFICATION OF SPINAL AND PELVIC BONE METASTASES

Background. The treatment outcomes for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) depend on the tumor stage and treatment strategy. The imaging techniques play a significant role in the diagnosis, staging and choice of appropriate treatment for NSCLC.Purpose of the study: сomparison of the diagnostic capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging (MR) and positron emission computed tomography to select the optimal approaches to early detection of spinal and pelvic bone metastases.Material and Methods. The treatment outcomes were analyzed in 71 patients with NSCLC. Spinal and pelvic bone metastases were detected in 24 patients using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission computed tomography (PET/CT). Multiple bone lesions were the most common. A total of 69 metastatic lesions were identified. To compare the capabilities of diagnostic techniques, all patients underwent PET/CT with 18F-FDG, and MRI of the spine and pelvic bones using diffused-weighted images (DWI). Statistical data processing included the calculation of the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of the above techniques.Conclusion. The comparative analysis of the capabilities of modern high-tech diagnostic techniques (PET/CT with 18F-FDG and MRI of the spine and pelvic bones with DWI) in early detection of bone metastases in patients with NSCLC, PET/CT with 18F-FDG showed the greatest diagnostic value. However, taking into account the high sensitivity and specificity of MRI with DVI in detection of bone metastases and limited availability of PET/CT for patients, MRI with DVI is recommended to exclude bone metastases.

18F-DCFPyL PSMA PET imaging compared to conventional imaging in the detection of pelvic nodal metastases in patients with locally advanced or oligometastatic prostate cancer.

36 Background: Interest has arisen in the use of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT imaging to detect prostate cancer at metastatic sites using different tracers. Here, we examined the ability of 18F-DCFPyL (DCFPyL) PSMA-based PET imaging to detect nodal disease in comparison to conventional imaging in a cohort of men with locally advanced or oligometastatic prostate cancer (PC). Methods: UW17009 is an IRB-approved open-label, single-arm trial that enrolled 26 patients with newly diagnosed advanced PC. Patients received androgen deprivation therapy and docetaxel for 3 months followed by radical prostatectomy (RP) and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). Exploratory interventions include PSMA PET/CT and MRI imaging as a method for determining treatment response and heterogeneity in primary PC and metastatic lesions performed before and after chemohormonal therapy. Prior to randomization, patients received DCFPyL PET/CT and PET/MR imaging as well as CTs and Bone Scans. A mean dose of 7.86 mCi DCFPyL was administered. Whole-body PET/CT images were acquired starting at approximately 60 minutes after radiotracer injection followed by dedicated pelvic PET/MR and whole-body PET/MR. PET imaging findings were compared to conventional dedicated CT imaging and were correlated to the results of final pathologic examination of each pelvic nodal dissection. Results: 26 patients underwent conventional and exploratory imaging with subsequent neoadjuvant treatment, RP and PLND. The mean diagnostic PSA was 32.1 ng/dl and 88.5% had Gleason 9 PCa. Using conventional imaging, pelvic nodal disease was identified in 6/26 patients. Pelvic lymph node uptake was identified in 12/26 patients using DCFPyL-based PSMA PET. Initial correlation of the pathologic specimens with pretreatment PSMA PET imaging revealed pelvic nodal metastatic PC in 10/12(83%) patients. On a per-lymph node packet basis (6 per patient), there were 156 evaluable regions, including 65 from patients with positive nodes. PSMA detected 14 packets that were positive for PC and 102 packets that were negative on imaging and final pathology. PC was missed in 5 packets. The mean tumor size in the missed nodes was 2.3 mm(range 1-4 mm). Calculated sensitivity was 73.7%(95% CI [48.8, 90.8]), 85.7 % specificity(95% CI[78.1, 91.4]), and 95.3 % negative predictive value(95% CI[90.5, 97.7]). Conclusions: In comparison to conventional imaging, in this cohort, DCFPyL PSMA-based PET imaging identified nodal positive disease at twice the rate and when evaluating on a per-packet basis, there was high negative predictive value. Ongoing analysis of post-chemohormonal therapy PET imaging may provide more information regarding tumor response in this cohort.

Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Uptake and Survival in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

BackgroundProstate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) imaging has been suggested as highly sensitive modality for detection of metastases in patients with biochemically recurrent or advanced prostate cancer (PCa). PSMA expression is associated with grade and stage and has a relationship with androgen receptor signaling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic utility of radiographic PSMA expression in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).MethodsPatients with mCRPC and available baseline PSMA imaging were studied. Images by planar/single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET)/CT were reviewed. Planar/SPECT images were scored semi-quantitatively and PET/CT scored quantitatively with comparison of tumor uptake to liver uptake on a scale of 0–4 in order to determine an imaging score (IS). The IS (high: 2–4 versus low: 0–1), subsequent receipt of life-prolonging systemic therapies (taxane chemotherapy, potent androgen receptor pathway inhibitors, sipuleucel-T, and radium-223), and the CALGB prognostic risk stratification of patients were analyzed according to overall survival (OS) in univariate and multivariate Cox’s proportional hazards models.ResultsHigh PSMA expression (IS 2–4) was found in 179 (75.21%) patients, and 59 (24.79%) patients had low PSMA uptake. The median OS of the entire cohort was 16.8 (95%CI: 14.9–19.3) months. Patients with a high IS had a significantly shorter OS of 15.8 (95%CI 13.0–18.1) months compared to those with low expression [22.7 (95%CI: 17.7–30.7) months, p = 0.002]. After accounting for use of life-prolonging therapies (p<0.001) and CALGB prognostic groups (p = 0.001), high PSMA IS emerged as an independent prognostic factor for OS [HR(95%CI): 1.7 (1.2–2.2); p = 0.003].ConclusionPresence of high radiographic PSMA expression on SPECT or PET/CT may portend a poor prognosis in patients with mCRPC treated with standard systemic therapies. This provides implications for therapeutic targeting of PSMA-avid disease as a means to improve outcomes.

Incidentally Detected Liver Metastases during Pancreas Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of current study was to investigate the value of the late-phase enhancement features of pancreas contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the detection of liver metastases in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC). Methods: From October 2020 to March 2021, 86 patients were prospectively enrolled. The gold standard of liver metastatic and PDAC lesions were based on histopathologically diagnoses and multiple imaging modalities results. B-mode ultrasound (BMUS) was performed to detect suspected liver metastases before CEUS. During the late phase of pancreas CEUS, the entire liver was scanned again to detect hypoenhanced liver metastases. Liver metastases were confirmed by biopsy and histopathological results. The number and size of liver metastases detected by BMUS and during CEUS late phase were recorded and compared. Results: Suspected liver metastases were detected in 14 patients by BMUS (n = 23). During the late phase of CEUS, hypoenhanced liver metastases were detected in 23 patients (n = 87). When compared with BMUS, whole-liver scan during the late phase of CEUS detected more isoechoic, small, or superficially located lesions. Compared with BMUS, the specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CEUS in diagnosing of liver metastases in PDAC patients were significantly improved (96.72% vs. 100%, 48% vs. 92%, 85.71% vs. 100%, and 83.10% vs. 96.83%, respectively) (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The late phase whole liver scan during CEUS of pancreas helps to detect more liver metastases, which is important for further clinical decision-making.

Diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced diffusion-weighted MRI for liver metastases of pancreatic cancer: towards adequate staging and follow-up of pancreatic cancer \u2013 DIA-PANC study: study protocol for an international, multicenter, diagnostic trial

BackgroundAt the time of surgery, approximately 10–20% of the patients with pancreatic cancer are considered unresectable because of unexpected liver metastasis, peritoneal carcinomatosis or locally advanced disease. This leads to futile surgical treatment with all the associated morbidity, mortality and costs. More than 50% of all liver metastases develop in the first six months postoperatively. These (subcentimeter) liver metastases are most likely already present at the time of diagnosis and have not been identified pre-operatively, due to the poor sensitivity of routine preoperative contrast-enhanced CT (CECT).MethodsThe DIA-PANC study is a prospective, international, multicenter, diagnostic cohort study investigating diffusion-weighted, contrast-enhanced MRI for the detection of liver metastases in patients with all stages of pancreatic cancer. Indeterminate or malignant liver lesions on MRI will be further investigated histopathologically. For patients with suspected liver lesions without histopathological proof, follow up imaging with paired CT and MRI at 3-, 6- and 12-months will serve as an alternative reference standard.DiscussionThe DIA-PANC trial is expected to report high-level evidence of the diagnostic accuracy of MRI for the detection of liver metastases, resulting in significant value for clinical decision making, guideline development and improved stratification for treatment strategies and future trials. Furthermore, DIA-PANC will contribute to our knowledge of liver metastases regarding incidence, imaging characteristics, their number and extent, and their change in time with or without treatment. It will enhance the worldwide implementation of MRI and consequently improve personalized treatment of patients with suspected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03469726. Registered on March 19th 2018 - Retrospectively registered.

Radiomics analysis of lung CT image for the early detection of metastases in patients with breast cancer: preliminary findings from a retrospective cohort study.

To investigate whether subtle changes in radiomics features are present in lung CT images prior to the development of CT-detectable lung metastases in patients with breast cancer. Thirty-three radiomics features were measured in the metastasis region (MR) and in matched contralateral tissues (non-metastasis region, NMR) of 29 breast cancer patients at the last CT scan, as well as in the corresponding regions of the patients' pre-metastasis scan (pre-MR and pre-NMR). We also compared them with normal lung tissues (control group, CG) from 29 healthy volunteers. Then, 8 patients from the 29 patients with lung metastases and 8 patients who did not develop lung metastases were chosen for further study of the correlation between radiomics parameters and tumor growth. In the MR vs. NMR and MR vs. CG groups, almost all radiomics features were significantly different. Twenty-six parameters showed significant differences between the pre-MRs and pre-NMRs. Linear fitting demonstrated a significant correlation between 5 features and tumor growth in the metastasis group, but not in the non-metastasis group. Among them, run percentage was the most representative feature. The calculated area under curves (AUCs), based on run percentage for the classification of metastasis and pre-metastasis, were 0.954 and 0.852, respectively. Radiomics features may allow early detection of lung metastases before they become visually detectable, and the feature run percentage may be a promising image surrogate marker for the microinvasion of tumor cells into the lung tissue. • The significant differences in radiomics features between pre-MR and pre-NMR are critical for the early detection of lung metastases. • Five radiomics features show a correlation with tumor growth. • The radiomics feature run percentage may be a potential imaging biomarker for the early detection of lung metastases.

18F-FDG PET/CT and whole-body MRI diagnostic performance in M staging for non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To evaluate the diagnostic test accuracy of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT), whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI), and whole-body diffusion-weighted imaging (WB-DWI) for the detection of metastases in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to June 2019. Studies were selected if they reported data that could be used to construct contingency tables to compare 18F-FDG PET/CT, WB-MRI, and WB-DWI. Two authors independently extracted data on study characteristics and assessed methodological quality using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies. Forest plots were generated for sensitivity and specificity of 18F-FDG PET/CT, WB-MRI, and whole-body diffusion-weighted imaging (WB-DWI). Summary receiver operating characteristic plots were created. The 4 studies meeting inclusion criteria had a total of 564 patients and 559 lesions, 233 of which were metastases. In studies of 18F-FDG PET/CT, the pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity were 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-0.95) and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.87-0.96), respectively. For WB-MRI, pooled sensitivity was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.18-1.00) and pooled specificity was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.85-0.95). Pooled sensitivity and specificity for WB-DWI were 0.78 (95% CI, 0.46-0.93) and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.79-0.96), respectively. There was no statistical difference between the diagnostic odds ratio of WB-MRI and WB-DWI compared with that of PET/CT (p = 0.186 for WB-DWI; p = 0.638 for WB-MRI). WB-MRI and DWI are radiation-free alternatives with comparable diagnostic performance to 18F-FDG PET/CT for M staging of NSCLC. • Whole-body MRI with or without diffusion-weighted imaging has a high accuracy for the diagnostic evaluation of metastases in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. • Whole-body MRI may be used as a non-invasive and radiation-free alternative to positron emission tomography with CT with similar diagnostic performance.

Detection of Occult Metastases in Patients with T1 and T2 Stage Lower Lip Squamous Cell Carcinomas after Positive Lymphoscintigraphy.

The aim of this study was to detect lower lip squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) that had metastasized to the lymph nodes and to evaluate if neck dissection was necessary for patients with T1 or T2-stage lip cancer after a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The study was conducted as a prospective clinical study to detect occult neck metastases in patients with T1 or T2 stage SCC of the lower lip. Thirty-one patients were eligible and underwent echo-ultrasound, computer tomography, magnetic resonance and lymphoscintigraphy (LSG) as diagnostic procedures. LSG was performed on the same day as the surgical procedure, after intradermal injection of 37 Mbq Tc99m-Sn-colloid/mL at four peritumoral sites. In patients with positive LSG results, the sentinel lymph nodes were extracted surgically. The risk factors for cancer development were sun exposure and smoking. The highest accuracy for detecting lymph node enlargements was achieved with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; 80.7%). LSG showed excellent sensitivity (100%) and negative predictive value (NPV; 100%). Overall, occult metastases were diagnosed with an SLNB in eight (25.8%) patients. According to the results, with great caution, we suggest that an SLNB is reasonable to initiate only for patients with positive sentinel nodes by positive LSG, to be used as a lower morbidity approach for selected patients with T1 and T2 stage cancers.

Blood Biomarkers of Uveal Melanoma: Current Perspectives.

The detection of metastases in patients with a diagnosis of uveal melanoma (UM) is a controversial issue. While only 1% of the patients have detectable metastases at the time of diagnosis, up to 30% of them will develop liver metastases within 5 years of treatment. UM spreads hematogenously, therefore, blood biomarkers may be helpful for prognosis and monitoring the disease progression. Despite the great progress achieved thanks to the genetic analysis of UM biopsies, this is an invasive technique and is limited by the heterogeneity of the tumor. The present review considers the current understanding in the field regarding biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of UM and its metastasis, primarily to the liver. General covered topics include non-conventional markers such as proteins previously identified in cutaneous melanoma and UM cell lines, circulating tumor cells, microRNAs (miRNA), and circulating DNA, and how each may be critical in the development of novel blood biomarkers for UM.

IMAGING TECHNIQUES FOR THE DETECTION OF LYMPH NODE METASTASIS IN PATIENTS WITH LARYNGEAL ANF HYPOPHARYNGEAL CANCER

The purposeof the study was a systematic literature review of imaging assessment of lymph node metastasis in patients with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer.Material and methods.In order to review the most relevant scientific literature available, we searched Elibrary, Medline databases (from January 2005 to December 2017). Of 735 identified studies, 32 were assessed.Results. The role of ultrasonography, spiral computer tomography, magnetic resonance tomography, positron emission tomography in the assessment of regional metastatic spread in patients with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer was analyzed. All these imaging techniques failed to reliably identify clinically occult lymph node metastases. However, the choice of treatment options for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer depends considerably on the diagnostic accuracy. In this context, the concept of sentinel lymph nodes deserves special attention.Conclusion.Further studies of the sentinel lymph node concept using various radiopharmaceutical drugs in the detection of preclinical regional metastasis in patients with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer are required.

Cervical ultrasonography has no additional value over negative 18F-FDG PET/CT scans for diagnosing cervical lymph node metastases in patients with oesophageal cancer

ObjectivesTo investigate the additional value of cervical ultrasonography over 18F-FDG PET/CT for diagnosing cervical lymph node metastases in patients with newly diagnosed oesophageal cancer.MethodsBetween January 2013 and January 2016, 163 patients with newly diagnosed oesophageal cancer underwent both cervical ultrasonography and 18F-FDG PET/CT at a tertiary referral centre in the Netherlands. Retrospective clinical data analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic value of cervical ultrasonography and 18F-FDG PET/CT for the detection of cervical lymph node metastases. Fine needle aspiration or clinical follow-up was used as reference standard.ResultsThe overall incidence of patients with cervical lymph node metastases was 14%. The sensitivity of 18F-FDG PET/CT to detect cervical lymph node metastases was 82% (95% CI 59–94%) and specificity was 91% (95% CI 85–95%). The sensitivity and specificity of cervical ultrasonography were 73% (95% CI 50–88%) and 84% (95% CI 77–90%), respectively. In patients with a negative 18F-FDG PET/CT, 12 of 133 (9%) patients had suspicious nodes on cervical ultrasonography. In all these 12 patients the nodes were confirmed benign.ConclusionsCervical ultrasonography has no additional diagnostic value to a negative integrated 18F-FDG PET/CT for the detection of cervical lymph node metastases in patients with newly diagnosed oesophageal cancer.Key Points• Cervical ultrasonography has no value over PET/CT in evaluating cervical node metastases.• PET/CT provides greater diagnostic confidence compared to cervical ultrasonography.• Cervical ultrasonography during standard diagnostic work-up may be considered unnecessary.• Cervical lesions on PET/CT require cytopathological confirmation by FNA.

68Ga-PSMA 11 ligand PET imaging in patients with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy \u2013 diagnostic performance and impact on therapeutic decision-making

ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of [68Ga]Ga-PSMAHBED-CC conjugate 11 positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET) in the early detection of metastases in patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) for clinically non-metastatic prostate cancer, to compare it to CT/MRI alone and to assess its impact on further therapeutic decisions.Material and methodsWe retrospectively assessed 117 consecutive hormone-naïve BCR patients who had 68Ga-PSMA 11 PET/CT (n = 46) or PET/MRI (n = 71) between May 2014 and January 2017. BCR was defined as two PSA rises above 0.2 ng/ml. Two dedicated uro-oncological imaging experts (radiology/nuclear medicine) reviewed separately all images. All results were presented in a blinded sequential fashion to a multidisciplinary tumorboard in order to assess the influence of PSMA-PET imaging on decision-making.ResultsThe median time from RP to BCR was 36 months (IQR 16–72). Overall, 69 (59%) patients received postoperative radiotherapy. Median PSA level at the time of imaging was 1.04 ng/ml (IQR 0.58–1.87). PSMA-positive lesions were detected in 100 (85.5%) patients. Detection rates were 65% for a PSA value of 0.2 to <0.5 ng/ml, 85.7% for 0.5 to <1, 85.7% for 1 to <2 and 100% for ≥2. PSMA-positive lesions could be confirmed by either histology (16%), PSA decrease in metastasis-directed radiotherapy (45%) or additional information in diffusion-weighted imaging when PET/MRI was performed (18%) in 79% of patients. PSMA-PET detected lesions in 67 patients (57.3%) who had no suspicious correlates according to the RECIST 1.1 criteria on MRI or CT. PSMA-PET changed therapeutic decisions in 74.6% of these 67 patients (p < 0.001), with 86% of them being considered for metastases-directed therapies.ConclusionsWe confirm the high performance of PSMA-PET imaging for the detection of disease recurrence sites in patients with BCR after RP, even at relatively low PSA levels. Moreover, it adds significant information to standard CT/MRI, changing treatment strategies in a significant number of patients.

Detection of distant metastases in patients with locally advanced breast cancer: role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography and conventional imaging with computed tomography scans

ObjectiveTo evaluate positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and conventional imaging tests for the detection of distant metastases in patients with locally advanced breast cancer.Materials and methodsWe included 81 patients with breast cancer who had undergone 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT before treatment. Conventional imaging included the following: bone scintigraphy; chest X-ray (in 14.5%) or CT (in 85.5%); and abdominal ultrasound (in 10.8%), CT (in 87.8%), or magnetic resonance imaging (in 1.4%). Histopathology and clinical/imaging follow-up served as reference.ResultsDistant metastases were observed in nine patients (11.1%). On patient-based analysis, conventional imaging identified distant metastases in all 9 patients. In one patient, the initial 18F-FDG PET/CT failed to demonstrate bone metastases that was evident on bone scintigraphy. In two patients, the CT scan failed to show extra-axillary lymph node metastases that were identified on 18F-FDG PET/CT. There was no significant difference between 18F-FDG PET/CT and conventional imaging in terms of their sensitivity for the detection of distant metastases in patients with locally advanced breast cancer.ConclusionThis study showed that 18F-FDG PET/CT and conventional imaging with CT scans had similar sensitivity for the diagnosis of distant metastases in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. 18F-FDG PET/CT can add information about extra-axillary lymph node involvements.