The Value of FDG PET/CT in Penile Cancer: An Update

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Nuclear Medicine

Background:

• Penile cancer is a rare squamous cell malignancy where lymph node status critically impacts prognosis.
• Conventional imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound) has limitations in detecting metastatic spread.
• Metabolic imaging with [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT is emerging as a valuable tool.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the role of [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT in staging penile cancer.
• To compare its diagnostic performance against conventional imaging modalities.
• To explore its utility in restaging and treatment monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing evidence on [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT in penile cancer.
• Assessment of sensitivity and specificity for lymph node and distant metastases detection.
• Analysis of its ability to differentiate viable tumor from fibrosis.

Main Results:

• [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT shows high sensitivity and specificity for inguinal, pelvic, and distant lymph node metastases.
• It outperforms conventional imaging in detecting metastatic spread in most cases.
• SUVmax values may correlate with tumor aggressiveness and survival outcomes.

Conclusions:

• [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT is a valuable complementary tool for penile cancer staging and risk stratification.
• It enhances accuracy in detecting metastases and guides treatment planning.
• Guidelines suggest its use in patients with nodal involvement or equivocal conventional imaging findings.