Prognostic value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT parameters and histopathologic variables in head and neck cancer

INTRODUCTION: (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography parameters such as; maximum standardized uptake values, standard metabolic tumor volume and otal lesion glycosis are important prognostic biomarkers in cancers. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prognostic value of these parameters in patients with head and neck cancers. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study including 47 patients with head and neck cancer who underwent(18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography prior to treatment. Standard metabolic tumor volume, otal lesion glycosis and standardized uptake were measured for each patient. The prognostic value of quantitative (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography parameters and clinicopathologic variables on disease free survival and overall survival were analyzed. RESULTS: The median (range) standard metabolic tumor volume and otal lesion glycosis and standardized uptake were 7.63 cm(3) (0.6–34.3), 68.9 g (2.58–524.5 g), 13.89 (4.89–33.03 g/mL), respectively. Lymph node metastases and tumour differentiation were significant variables for disease free survival and overall survival, however, all (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography parameters were not associated with disease- free survival and overall survival. CONCLUSION: Pretreatment quantities positron emission tomography parameters did not predict survival in head and neck cancer.