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Delta Changes in [18F]FDG PET/CT Parameters Can Prognosticate Clinical Outcomes in Recurrent NSCLC Patients Who Have Undergone Reirradiation-Chemoimmunotherapy

  • 0Department of Radiation Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University, SALK, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria.
Biomedicines +

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August 28, 2025

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August 28, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Changes in [18F]FDG PET/CT imaging biomarkers, specifically delta changes in SULpeak, SUVmax, and SULmax of lymph nodes, significantly predict outcomes for non-small cell lung cancer patients undergoing reirradiation.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Radiology
  • Nuclear Medicine

Background

  • Recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) presents a clinical challenge, necessitating optimized treatment strategies.
  • Image biomarkers from [18F]FDG PET/CT scans can potentially stratify patients for improved treatment outcomes.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the clinical impact of positive delta changes in baseline [18F]FDG PET/CT metrics before reirradiation for NSCLC.
  • To determine if changes in metabolic volume and intensity parameters correlate with treatment efficacy.

Main Methods

  • Retrospective analysis of 47 NSCLC patients undergoing thoracic reirradiation with curative intent.
  • Comparison of [18F]FDG PET/CT metrics (SULpeak, SUVmax, SULmax) before primary radiotherapy and reirradiation.
  • Statistical correlation of delta changes (>0) with locoregional control (LRC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Main Results

  • Delta changes in SULpeak, SUVmax, and SULmax of lymph nodes significantly impacted OS, PFS, and LRC.
  • Positive delta changes in these biomarkers were associated with improved survival and disease control.
  • Median OS was 21.8 months, median PFS was 12 months, and median LRC was 13 months.

Conclusions

  • Delta changes in SULpeak, SUVmax, and SULmax of metastatic lymph nodes are significant predictors of clinical outcomes in recurrent NSCLC patients receiving reirradiation.
  • These imaging biomarkers may aid in patient selection for reirradiation therapy.

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