Abstract
Background: In oncology, positron emission tomography (PET), often in conjunction with computed tomography (CT), has emerged as a vital advanced imaging modality. A radioactive substance called a radiotracer is injected into the bloodstream during PET-CT imaging, and due to the unique biological characteristics of the tumor, the radiotracer accumulates at the tumor location.
Aim and objectives: To emphasize the function of PET/CT in cancer patient evaluation, staging, and follow-up.
Patients and methods: This prospective study was carried out on 50 cancer patients with variable primary malignancies at variable disease stages at Nasser Institute for Research and Treatment Hospital from Jan 2023 to July 2024 for staging and therapeutic assessment of and follow-up cancer patients. Histopathology, clinical, and imaging follow-up were the gold standard to which we compared the CT and PET results.
Results: In our investigation, CT demonstrated overall sensitivity and specificity of 68.7% and 83.3%, respectively, with PPV of 88% and NPV of 60%, whereas PET/CT demonstrated overall sensitivity and specificity of 96.7% and 89.5%, respectively, with PPV of 93.7% and NPV of 94.4%.
Conclusion: When compared to conventional CT, PET/CT had a significant impact on both early and delayed assessment of therapy response. Because of its great specificity, PET/CT can precisely characterize residual masses, locate them, and detect live, active tumors within them. Early tumor relapse identification was aided by PET/CT as well.
Article Type
Original Article
Keywords
PET; CT; Oncology Patients; Tumors
Subject Area
Radiology & Radiodiagnosis
How to Cite This Article
Abo Rashed, Ahmed Abd Al-Fattah Mahmoud; Fouda, Mahmoud Mohammed Abo Mandour; and Abd El Aal, Ahmed Said
(2024)
"Role of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) /Computed Tomography (CT) in Evaluation of Oncology Patients,"
Al-Azhar International Medical Journal: Vol. 5:
Iss.
12, Article 47.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58675/2682-339X.2826
