Multimodal PET/CT Image Fusion-Derived Parameters and Biochemical Indices for Prognostic Monitoring in Nasopharyngeal...

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a common Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated malignant tumour of the head and neck region. Accurate prognosis evaluation, risk stratification, and follow-up monitoring are essential for improving patient survival and quality of life. Multimodal positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) image fusion has shown considerable promise in the diagnosis, staging, response assessment, and prognostic evaluation of nasopharyngeal cancer. This review examines the application of ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT)-derived parameters together with biochemical markers in prognostic models for nasopharyngeal cancer. Biochemical markers, including EBV DNA, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, and inflammation-based indices associated with patient prognosis, are summarised. These markers may enhance the accuracy of prognostic assessment and provide critical supplementary information for imaging evaluation. Integrating imaging parameters with biochemical markers is expected to establish a more comprehensive prognostic evaluation system. Multimodal image fusion combined with systematic biochemical indicator monitoring offers novel concepts and techniques for the prognostic evaluation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Future research should focus on standardised PET/CT acquisition, validated segmentation methods, reliable biochemical assays, and prospective multicentre model validation to improve therapeutic outcomes and survival rates in affected patients.