H. Bender et al., Possible role of FDG-PET in the early prediction of therapy outcome in liver metastases of colorectal cancer, HYBRIDOMA, 18(1), 1999, pp. 87-91
Nonresectable colorectal cancer metastases in the liver respond to chemothe
rapy in 20-25% only. Early identification of nonresponders might allow the
use of other regimens. In a limited feasibility study, it should be determi
ned whether (a) a single high-dose chemotherapy application has an early ef
fect on glucose-utilization, detectable and quantitatable by noninvasive po
sitron emission tomography using [18F]-Fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG-PET) and (b
) assess its value as a predictor of the final therapeutic outcome. A total
of 10 patients with documented nonresectable liver metastases of a colorec
tal cancer were studied by FDG-PET, prior and 72 h after a single infusion
of 5-Fluorouracil and Folinic acid (5-FU/FA), Glucose utilization was quant
itated by determination of standard-uptake values and correlated with final
therapy outcome following completion of the anticipated therapy cycle. Pat
ients were followed up for at least 6 months. All metastases responding to
therapy (n = 6) exerted a statistically significant decrease of FDG uptake
(-22 +/- 10%), metastases (n = 2) showing a short-term effect (duration of
tumor reduction <3 months) had a slightly diminished, and progressing metas
tases (n = 3) an enhanced FDG uptake (13 +/- 17%). Our preliminary data ind
icate that acute changes of glucose utilization-as detected by FDG-PET-foll
owing a single application of chemotherapy, seems to be indicative for the
final therapeutic outcome, at least in liver metastases of colorectal cance
r.