Role of PET/CT in Oropharyngeal Cancers

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This article reviews the role of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the diagnosis and management of oropharyngeal cancers. Oropharyngeal cancer epidemiology, staging, treatment, response assessment, and disease monitoring are discussed. With regard to staging, response assessment, and monitoring, PET/CT has emerged as the modality of choice in recent decades. This is because PET/CT allows for the combination of precise anatomical information with metabolic activity of the tumor and surrounding structures. In oropharyngeal cancer, PET/CT is currently used to facilitate TNM (tumor, node, metastases) staging, assess tumor response after initial treatment, and monitor long-term for disease recurrence. Innovations in the field continue to improve the utility of PET/CT, and, most recently, applications of artificial intelligence and the development of novel therapeutic tracers have indicated promising new frontiers. Combined with continued advances in surgical, medical, and radiation treatment options, PET/CT is well-positioned to facilitate continued improvement of oropharyngeal cancer care. ABSTRACT: Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) comprises cancers of the tonsils, tongue base, soft palate, and uvula. The staging of oropharyngeal cancers varies depending upon the presence or absence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-directed pathogenesis. The incidence of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer (HPV + OPSCC) is expected to continue to rise over the coming decades. PET/CT is a useful modality for the diagnosis, staging, and follow up of patients with oropharyngeal cancers undergoing treatment and surveillance.