Role of [(18)F]FDG PET/CT in the management of G1 gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

PURPOSE: Since the role of [(18)F]FDG PET/CT in low-grade gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine neoplasia (NET) is not well established, this study was aimed to evaluate the role of [(18)F]FDG PET/CT in grade 1 (G1) GEP-NETs. METHODS: This is a retrospective study including patients with G1 GEP-NETs who underwent [(18)F]FDG PET/CT. RESULTS: 55 patients were evaluated, including 24 (43.6%) with pancreatic NETs and 31 (56.4%) with gastrointestinal NETs. At the time of diagnosis, 28 (51%) patients had metastatic disease, and 50 (91%) patients were positive by 68-Ga sstr PET/CT. Overall, 27 patients (49%) had positive findings on [(18)F]FDG PET/CT. Following [(18)F]FDG PET/CT, therapeutic management was modified in 29 (52.7%) patients. Progression-free survival was longer in patients with negative [(18)F]FDG PET/CT compared with positive [(18)F]FDG PET/CT (median PFS was not reached and 24 months, respectively, p = 0.04). This significance was particularly evident in the pancreatic group (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Despite having low proliferative activity, approximately half of GEP-NETs G1 showed positive [(18)F]FDG PET/CT, with a corresponding negative impact on patients’ clinical outcomes. These data are in favor of a more “open” attitude toward the potential use of [(18)F]FDG PET/CT in the diagnostic work-up of G1 GEP-NETs, which may be used in selected cases to detect those at higher risk for an unfavorable disease course.