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Strahlentherapie und Onkologie

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01-03-2013 | Original article

Modification of staging and treatment of head and neck cancer by FDG-PET/CT prior to radiotherapy

Authors: Dr. A. Abramyuk, S. Appold, K. Zöphel, M. Baumann, N. Abolmaali

Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie | Issue 3/2013

Abstract

Background and purpose

Reliable tumor staging is a fundamental pre-requisite for efficient tumor therapy and further prognosis. The aim of this study was to compare head and neck cancer (HNC) staging before and after FDG-PET/CT, evaluating the stage modifications for radiotherapy (RT) planning.

Patients and methods

A total of 102 patients with untreated primary HNC, who underwent conventional staging and staging including FDG-PET/CT before RT, were enrolled in this retrospective study. Blinded pre-FDG-PET/CT and post-FDG-PET/CT staging data were compared. The impact on patient management was tested by comparing the intention before and after FDG-PET/CT.

Results

Significant modifications of T, N, and M stage as well as clinical stage were detected after inclusion of FDG-PET/CT data (p = 0.002, 0.0006, 0.001, 0.03, respectively). Overall, the implementation of FDG-PET/CT led to modification of RT intention decision in 14 patients.

Conclusions

FDG-PET/CT demonstrates essential influence on tumor staging in HNC patients scheduled for irradiation. Implementation of FDG-PET/CT in imaging protocol improves selection of candidates for curative and palliative RT and allows further optimization of treatment management and therapy intention.

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Title: Modification of staging and treatment of head and neck cancer by FDG-PET/CT prior to radiotherapy
Authors: Dr. A. Abramyuk
S. Appold
K. Zöphel
M. Baumann
N. Abolmaali
Publication date: 01-03-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 0179-7158
Electronic ISSN: 1439-099X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00066-012-0283-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Modification of staging and treatment of head and neck cancer by FDG-PET/CT prior to radiotherapy

Abstract

Background and purpose

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background and purpose

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusions

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