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3-year overall survival benefit of systematic follow-up with 18F-FDG PET/CT in asymptomatic patients treated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a multicenter study

  • 0Department of Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Brest, Brest, 29200, France.
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging +

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February 25, 2025

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February 25, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Systematic 18F-FDG PET/CT scans improved 3-year survival for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients post-treatment. This imaging strategy offers a survival benefit compared to conventional follow-up.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Radiology
  • Nuclear Medicine

Background

  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) poses a high risk of recurrence.
  • Early detection of HNSCC recurrence may improve outcomes, but its survival impact is unclear.
  • This study investigates the survival benefit of systematic 18F-FDG PET/CT in HNSCC follow-up.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To assess the impact of systematic 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging on overall survival in HNSCC patients.
  • To compare the 3-year overall survival rates between conventional follow-up (CFU) and CFU with systematic 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Main Methods

  • A multicenter case-control study included adult HNSCC patients treated with curative intent and achieving complete response.
  • Patients were divided into conventional follow-up (CFU) and systematic annual 18F-FDG PET/CT groups.
  • Primary endpoint was 3-year overall survival, analyzed using log-rank tests and Cox regression.

Main Results

  • Systematic 18F-FDG PET/CT showed a protective effect (OR=0.56, p=0.001) and improved 3-year OS (83.5% vs. 73.4%, p=0.008).
  • Survival benefits were observed in both advanced (Stage III/IV) and early (Stage I/II) HNSCC stages.
  • The PET/CT group demonstrated significantly better 3-year OS for both advanced (79.9% vs. 71.5%, p=0.045) and early stages (90.5% vs. 76.3%, p=0.047).

Conclusions

  • Systematic 18F-FDG PET/CT in HNSCC follow-up is associated with a significant 3-year survival benefit.
  • 18F-FDG PET/CT can serve as an effective alternative to annual chest CT for HNSCC surveillance.
  • This strategy enhances survival outcomes for HNSCC patients after treatment completion.

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