Open AccessFDG PET Application for Management of Breast Cancer Patient: A Narrative Review
Author(s) -
Saeed Farzanehfar,
F. Aghahoseini,
M. A. Peyman,
Mehrshad Abbasi
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
archives of breast cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2383-0433
pISSN - 2383-0425
DOI - 10.32768/abc.20207254-58
Subject(s) - medicine , breast cancer , radiology , lymph node , pet ct , medical physics , positron emission tomography , distant metastasis , cancer , metastasis
Background: The application of FDG PET/CT scan for assessment of patients with breast cancer is increasing. The cost effectiveness of the application could be different in a developing country with limited PET scanners and treatment prioritiesMethods: Open discussions of the PET reviewers from 2 out of 4 PET centers of Tehran, the capital city of Iran, were organized to provide insight into their opinions on the indications of FDG PET in breast cancer patients.
Results: The sensitivity of FDG PET scan is high for detection of distant metastases; however, assessment of lymph node pathology and the local extension of the breast cancer are questionable. Considering the cost of the procedure itself and the downstream diagnostic procedures, its application and diagnostic accuracy are hindered for breast cancer screening, staging, and assessment of response to treatment and prognosis. The advantages and disadvantages of FDG PET CT and dedicated breast FDG PET scan have been briefed in different clinical scenarios with a focus on limitations faced by a developing country.Conclusion: We suggest reserving the use of FDG PET for selected cases of suspected but not proven recurrent disease and in patients with high risk of metastasis before high risk surgery.