Solid tumor size on high-resolution computed tomography and maximum standardized uptake on positron emission...

To better describe clinical T descriptors using solid tumor size (the maximum dimension of the solid component of the tumor) on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT (FDG-PET/CT).

We examined 610 consecutive patients with clinical stage IA lung adenocarcinoma who underwent complete resection. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was assessed on the basis of whole tumor size (maximum dimension of the tumor), solid tumor size, or a combination of solid tumor size and SUVmax.

RFS based on whole tumor size was not significantly different between patients with tumors measuring ≤2 cm and 2-3 cm (P = 0.089), whereas RFS based on solid tumor size was significantly different (P < 0.0001). We divided patients into four groups on the basis of solid tumor size and SUVmax: group 1: solid tumor size ≤2 cm, SUVmax ≤1.8; group 2: solid tumor size ≤2 cm, SUVmax >1.8; group 3: solid tumor size 2-3 cm, SUVmax ≤3.6; and group 4: solid tumor size 2-3 cm, SUVmax >3.6. Groups 2 and 3 were combined because they showed similar RFS each other. RFS was significantly different among these groups: group 1 versus groups 2 + 3, P < 0.0001; groups 2 + 3 versus group 4, P = 0.019.

Both solid tumor size on HRCT and SUVmax on FDG-PET/CT reflect prognosis well in patients with clinical stage IA lung adenocarcinoma and may support new clinical T descriptors.