CLINICAL IMPACT OF 18F FDG PET-CT ON MANAGEMENT OF GERM CELL TUMORS

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to review the impact of 18F- fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG-PET-CT) scans on the management of patients with germ cell tumours (GCT) at our centre. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective review of a total of 29 FDG PET-CT scans acquired in 20 patients with GCT between December 2009 and May 2013. Results: Sixteen males and four females with the average age of 34.4 years (+18SD) were identi ed who underwent FDG PET-CT scans for treatment response/outcome evaluation on an average period of 3 months after completion of therapy. Hypermetabolic residual disease (PET-CT positive) was identi ed in 8 (40%). 6 (30%) had non-FDG-avid residual morphologic disease (PET negative and CT positive) and 6 (30%) were disease free (PET-CT negative). FDG PET-CT led to change in the management plan of 12 (60%) of cases as compared to the CT alone ndings. Follow-up was available for a median of 2.9 years (±1.5 SD). The overall 5-year disease-free survival was found to be PET-CT positive patients = 62%, PET-negative and CT-positive patients = 80% and PET-CT-negative patients = 100%. Conclusion: FDG PET-CT scanning has a potential role in the evaluation of response to treatment and can predict the survival outcome. Key words: 18F- uorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography, disease-free survival, germ cell tumour, standardised uptake value