Early metabolic response on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron-emission tomography/computed tomography after concurrent chemoradiotherapy for advanced stage III non-small cell lung cancer is correlated with local tumor control and survival

Abstract

Aim: We evaluated the relationship of early metabolic responses on (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) performed within one month after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with local tumor control and survival in patients with advanced stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patients and methods: One hundred and nineteen patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC who completed definitive CCRT were included. PET/CT was performed 2-4 weeks after completion of radiotherapy.

Results: The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) reduction ratio of the primary lesion (primary SRR, 80%, p<0.001), gross tumor volume (150 cm(3), p=0.036), and pre-radiotherapy ratio of SUVmax of the metastatic lymph node to that of the primary lesion (60%, p=0.05) were significantly associated with OS in multivariate analysis. The primary SRR was the only statistically significant parameter for local control.

Conclusion: Early metabolic response of the primary lesion after CCRT correlated with local control and overall survival in patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC.

Keywords: Non-small cell lung cancer; concurrent chemoradiotherapy; metabolic response; prognosis.