Inclusion of PET-CT into planning of primary or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy of esophageal cancer improves prognosis

The Role of MRI and PET/CT in Radiotherapy Target Volume Determination in Gastrointestinal Cancers-Review of the Literature

Positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could improve accuracy in target volume determination for gastrointestinal cancers. A systematic search of the PubMed database was performed, focusing on studies published within the last 20 years. Articles were considered eligible for the review if they included patients with anal canal, esophageal, rectal or pancreatic cancer, as well as PET/CT or MRI for radiotherapy treatment planning, and if they reported interobserver variability or changes in treatment planning volume due to different imaging modalities or correlation between the imaging modality and histopathologic specimen. The search of the literature retrieved 1396 articles. We retrieved six articles from an additional search of the reference lists of related articles. Forty-one studies were included in the final review. PET/CT seems indispensable for target volume determination of pathological lymph nodes in esophageal and anal canal cancer. MRI seems appropriate for the delineation of primary tumors in the pelvis as rectal and anal canal cancer. Delineation of the target volumes for radiotherapy of pancreatic cancer remains challenging, and additional studies are needed.

Imaging Recommendations for Diagnosis, Staging, and Management of Esophageal Cancer

Early staging and treatment initiation affect prognosis of patients with esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer; hence, it is imperative to have knowledge of proper choice of imaging modality for staging of these patients, to effectively convey relevant imaging findings to the treating physician/surgeon. It is also essential to be aware of pertinent imaging findings that need to be conveyed to the treating physician/surgeon at staging, and after treatment, including post-therapy complications (if any), so as to provide timely management to such patients. In this article, we have provided imaging guidelines for diagnosis, staging, post-therapy response evaluation, follow-up, and assessment of post-therapy complications of esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer in a systematic manner. Besides, risk factors and clinical workup have also been elucidated. We have also attached comprehensive staging and post-therapy contrast-enhanced computed tomography and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography-based synoptic reporting formats “ECI-RADS” and “pECI-RADS,” respectively, for esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer in the supplement, for effective communication of imaging findings between a radiologist and the treating physician/surgeon.

Prognostic Value of [18F]-FDG PET/CT Radiomics Combined with Sarcopenia Status among Patients with Advanced Gastroesophageal Cancer

We investigated, whether 18[18F]-FDG PET/CT-derived radiomics combined with sarcopenia measurements improves survival prognostication among patients with advanced, metastatic gastroesophageal cancer. In our study, 128 consecutive patients with advanced, metastatic esophageal and gastroesophageal cancer (n = 128; 26 females; 102 males; mean age 63.5 ± 11.7 years; age range: 29−91 years) undergoing 18[18F]-FDG PET/CT for staging between November 2008 and December 2019 were included. Segmentation of the primary tumor and radiomics analysis derived from PET and CT images was performed semi-automatically with a commonly used open-source software platform (LIFEX, Version 6.30, lifexsoft.org). Patients’ nutritional status was determined by measuring the skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the level of L3 on the CT component. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to establish a survival prediction model including radiomics, clinical data, and SMI score. Univariable Cox proportional hazards model revealed ECOG (<0.001) and bone metastasis (p = 0.028) to be significant clinical parameters for overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Age (p = 0.017) was an additional prognostic factor for OS. Multivariable analysis showed improved prognostication for overall and progression free survival when adding sarcopenic status, PET and CT radiomics to the model with clinical parameters only. PET and CT radiomics derived from hybrid 18[18F]-FDG PET/CT combined with sarcopenia measurements and clinical parameters may improve survival prediction among patients with advanced, metastatic gastroesophageal cancer.

Implementation of a regional video multidisciplinary team meeting is associated with an improved prognosis for patients with oesophageal cancer A mixed methods approach

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTM) improve diagnostic work-up and treatment-decisions. This study aims to evaluate the influence of implementing a regional-video-Upper-GI-MDTM (uMDTM) for oesophageal cancer (OC) on the number of patients discussed, treatment-decisions, perspectives of involved clinicians and overall survival (OS) in the Eindhoven Upper-GI Network consisting of 1 resection hospital and 5 referring hospitals.

METHODS

Between 2012 and 2018, patients diagnosed with OC within this region, were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry(n = 1119). From 2014, an uMDTM was gradually implemented and a mixed-method quantitative and qualitative design was used to analyse changes. Quantitative outcomes were described before and after implementation of the uMDTM. Clinicians were interviewed to assess their perspectives regarding the uMDTM.

RESULTS

After participation in the uMDTM more patients were discussed in an MDTM (80%-89%,p < 0.0001) and involvement of a resection centre during the uMDTM increased (43%-82%,p < 0.0001). The proportion of patients diagnosed with potentially curable OC (cT1-4a-x, any cN, cM0) remained stable (59%-61%, p = 0.452). Endoscopic or surgical resections were performed more often (28%-34%,p = 0.034) and the use of best supportive care decreased (21%-15%,p = 0.018). In the qualitative part an improved knowledge, collaboration and discussion was perceived due to implementation of the uMDTM. Three-year OS for all OC patients increased after the implementation of the uMDTM (24%-30%,p = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a regional Upper-GI MDTM was associated with an increase in patients discussed with a resection centre, more curative resections and a better OS. It remains to be elucidated which factors in the clinical pathway explain this observed improved survival.

Baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters as prognostic factors in esophageal squamous cell cancer

AIM

To determine the utility of [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters as prognostic factors for the response to neoadjuvant treatment, progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty patients (29 men) diagnosed with SCC were retrospectively evaluated over a 6-year interval. Metabolic parameters were determined: maximum SUV (SUVmax), mean SUV (SUVmed), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) from baseline PET/CT study. After treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, response to treatment and patient survival were assessed. The comparison of parameters between groups of responders and non-responders was carried out using a Mann-Whitney U test ROC curves and the Kaplan-Meier method were used for analysis of prognostic factors and survival curves.

RESULTS

The average follow-up was 22.4 months, with 22 recurrence-progressions and 25 deaths. Significant differences were demonstrated between responders and non-responders with respect to tumor size, MTV and TLG. Survival analysis found significant differences for SCE and CSS depending on these three parameters.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic parameters MTV and TLG, and tumor size were prognostic factors for neoadjuvant treatment response, PFS, and CSS in patients diagnosed with SCC. Neither SUVmax nor SUVmed were predictive for any of the evaluation criteria. Results could help to personalize patient treatment.

Value of PET imaging for radiation therapy

This comprehensive review written by experts in their field gives an overview on the current status of incorporating positron emission tomography (PET) into radiation treatment planning. Moreover, it highlights ongoing studies for treatment individualisation and per-treatment tumour response monitoring for various primary tumours. Novel tracers and image analysis methods are discussed. The authors believe this contribution to be of crucial value for experts in the field as well as for policy makers deciding on the reimbursement of this powerful imaging modality.

Value of PET imaging for radiation therapy

This comprehensive review written by experts in their field gives an overview on the current status of incorporating positron emission tomography (PET) into radiation treatment planning. Moreover, it highlights ongoing studies for treatment individualisation and per-treatment tumour response monitoring for various primary tumours. Novel tracers and image analysis methods are discussed. The authors believe this contribution to be of crucial value for experts in the field as well as for policy makers deciding on the reimbursement of this powerful imaging modality.

18F-FDG PET/CT Parameters for Predicting Prognosis in Esophageal Cancer Patients Treated With Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy

Background and Aims:

This study evaluated the prognostic value of ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with integrated computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) performed before and after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in esophageal cancer.

Methods:

We analyzed the prognosis of 50 non-metastatic squamous cell esophageal cancer (T1-4N0-2) patients who underwent CCRT with curative intent at Inje University Busan Paik Hospital and Haeundae Paik Hospital from 2009 to 2019. Median total radiation dose was 54 Gy (range 34-66 Gy). Our aim was to investigate the relationship between PET/CT values and prognosis. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS).

Results:

The median follow-up period was 9.9 months (range 1.7-85.7). Median baseline maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) was 14.2 (range 3.2-27.7). After treatment, 29 patients (58%) showed disease progression. The 3-year PFS and overall survival (OS) were 24.2% and 54.5%, respectively. PFS was significantly lower (P = 0.015) when SUVmax of initial PET/CT exceeded 10 (n = 22). However, OS did not reach a significant difference based on maximum SUV (P = 0.282). Small metabolic tumor volume (≤14.1) was related with good PFS (P = 0.002) and OS (P = 0.001). Small total lesion of glycolysis (≤107.3) also had a significant good prognostic effect on PFS (P = 0.009) and OS (P = 0.025). In a subgroup analysis of 18 patients with follow-up PET/CT, the patients with SUV max ≤3.5 in follow-up PET/CT showed longer PFS (P = 0.028) than those with a maximum SUV >3.5.

Conclusion:

Maximum SUV of PET/CT is useful in predicting prognosis of esophageal cancer patients treated with CCRT. Efforts to find more effective treatments for patients at high risk of progression are still warranted.

Baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters as prognostic factors in esophageal squamous cell cancer

AIM

To determine the utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters as prognostic factors for the response to neoadjuvant treatment, progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty patients (29 men) diagnosed with SCC were retrospectively evaluated over a 6-year interval. Metabolic parameters were determined: maximum SUV (SUVmax), mean SUV (SUVmed), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) from baseline PET/CT study. After treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, response to treatment and patient survival were assessed. The comparison of parameters between groups of responders and non-responders was carried out using a Mann-Whitney U test. ROC curves and the Kaplan-Meier method were used for analysis of prognostic factors and survival curves.

RESULTS

The average follow-up was 22.4months, with 22 recurrence-progressions and 25 deads. Significant differences were demonstrated between responders and non-responders with respect to tumor size, MTV and TLG. Survival analysis found significant differences for SCE and CSS depending on these three parameters.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic parameters MTV and TLG, and tumor size were prognostic factors for neoadjuvant treatment response, PFS, and CSS in patients diagnosed with SCC. Neither SUVmax nor SUVmed were predictive for any of the evaluation criteria. Results could help to personalize patient treatment.

[F18] FDG-PET/CT for manual or semiautomated GTV delineation of the primary tumor for radiation therapy planning in patients with esophageal cancer: is it useful?

Background

Target volume definition of the primary tumor in esophageal cancer is usually based on computed tomography (CT) supported by endoscopy and/or endoscopic ultrasound and can be difficult given the low soft-tissue contrast of CT resulting in large interobserver variability. We evaluated the value of a dedicated planning [F18] FDG-Positron emission tomography/computer tomography (PET/CT) for harmonization of gross tumor volume (GTV) delineation and the feasibility of semiautomated structures for planning purposes in a large cohort.

Methods

Patients receiving a dedicated planning [F18] FDG-PET/CT (06/2011–03/2016) were included. GTV was delineated on CT and on PET/CT (GTV_CT and GTV_PET/CT, respectively) by three independent radiation oncologists. Interobserver variability was evaluated by comparison of mean GTV and mean tumor lengths, and via Sørensen–Dice coefficients (DSC) for spatial overlap. Semiautomated volumes were constructed based on PET/CT using fixed standardized uptake values (SUV) thresholds (SUV30, 35, and 40) or background- and metabolically corrected PERCIST-TLG and Schaefer algorithms, and compared to manually delineated volumes.

Results

45 cases were evaluated. Mean GTV_CT and GTV_PET/CT were 59.2/58.0 ml, 65.4/64.1 ml, and 60.4/59.2 ml for observers A–C. No significant difference between CT- and PET/CT-based delineation was found comparing the mean volumes or lengths. Mean Dice coefficients on CT and PET/CT were 0.79/0.77, 0.81/0.78, and 0.8/0.78 for observer pairs AB, AC, and BC, respectively, with no significant differences. Mean GTV volumes delineated semiautomatically with SUV30/SUV35/SUV40/Schaefer’s and PERCIST-TLG threshold were 69.1/23.9/18.8/18.6 and 70.9 ml. The best concordance of a semiautomatically delineated structure with the manually delineated GTV_CT/GTV_PET/CT was observed for PERCIST-TLG.

Conclusion

We were not able to show that the integration of PET/CT for GTV delineation of the primary tumor resulted in reduced interobserver variability. The PERCIST-TLG algorithm seemed most promising compared to other thresholds for further evaluation of semiautomated delineation of esophageal cancer.

Impact of 18F-FDG-PET/CT on the identification of regional lymph node metastases and delineation of the primary tumor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients

PURPOSE

In patients undergoing chemoradiation for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), the extent of elective nodal irradiation (ENI) is still discussed controversially. This study aimed to analyze patterns of lymph node metastases and their correlation with the primary tumor using 18F‑fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) scans.

METHODS

102 ESCC patients with pre-treatment FDG-PET/CT scans were evaluated retrospectively. After exclusion of patients with low FDG uptake and patients without FDG-PET-positive lymph node metastases (LNM), 76 patients were included in the final analysis. All LNM were assigned to 16 pre-defined anatomical regions and classified according to their position relative to the primary tumor (above, at the same height, or below the primary tumor). In addition, the longitudinal distance to the primary tumor was measured for all LNM above or below the primary tumor. The craniocaudal extent (i.e., length) of the primary tumor was measured using FDG-PET imaging (LPET) and also based on all other available clinical and imaging data (endoscopy, computed tomography, biopsy results) except FDG-PET (LCT/EUS).

RESULTS

Significantly more LNM were identified with 18F‑FDG-PET/CT (177 LNM) compared to CT alone (131 LNM, p < 0.001). The most common sites of LNM were paraesophageal (63% of patients, 37% of LNM) and paratracheal (33% of patients, 20% of LNM), while less than 5% of patients had supraclavicular, subaortic, diaphragmatic, or hilar LNM. With regard to the primary tumor, 51% of LNM were at the same height, while 25% and 24% of lymph node metastases were above and below the primary tumor, respectively. For thirty-three LNM (19%), the distance to the primary tumor was larger than 4 cm. No significant difference was seen between LCT/EUS (median 6 cm) and LPET (median 6 cm, p = 0.846) CONCLUSION: 18F‑FDG-PET can help to identify subclinical lymph node metastases which are located outside of recommended radiation fields. PET-based involved-field irradiation might be the ideal compromise between small treatment volumes and decreasing the risk of undertreatment of subclinical metastatic lymph nodes and should be further evaluated.

Impact of positron emission tomography with computed tomography for image-guided radiotherapy

Therapeutic effectiveness in radiotherapy is partly related to correct staging of the disease and then precise therapeutic targeting. Positron emission tomography (PET) allows the stage of many cancers to be determined and therefore is essential before deciding on radiation treatment. The definition of the therapeutic target is essential to obtain correct tumour control and limit side effects. The part of adaptive radiotherapy remains to be defined, but PET by its functional nature makes it possible to define the prognosis of many cancers and to consider radiotherapy adapted to the initial response allowing an increase over the entire metabolic volume, or targeted at a subvolume at risk per dose painting, or with a decrease in the dose in case of good response at interim assessment.

Modification of preoperative radiochemotherapy for esophageal cancer (CROSS protocol) is safe and efficient with no impact on surgical morbidity

Purpose

Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (RCTH) is proven to be highly effective in the treatment of esophageal cancer (EC). We investigated oncological outcome and morbidity in patients treated with a modified CROSS protocol followed by esophagectomy at our institution.

Methods

Patients with EC receiving neoadjuvant RCTH with paclitaxel and carboplatin and concurrent radiotherapy (46 Gy) followed by esophagectomy were included in this retrospective analysis. Histopathological response, overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free interval (RFI) as well as perioperative morbidity were investigated.

Results

Thirty-six patients (86.1% male, mean age 61.3 years, standard deviation 11.52) received neoadjuvant RCTH before surgery. Sixteen patients (44.4%) were treated for squamous cell cancer, whereas 20 patients (55.6%) had adenocarcinoma. The majority (75%) underwent abdominothoracic esophageal resection. Major complications occurred in 7 patients (19.5%) including anastomotic leakage in 4 patients (11.1%). A R0 resection was achieved in 97.2%. A complete pathological remission was seen in 13 patients (36.1%). Major response, classified as Mandard tumor regression grade 1 and 2, was found in 26 patients (72.2%). Median OS and RFI were not reached.

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant radiotherapy with 46 Gy and concomitant chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin for the treatment of locally advanced esophageal carcinoma is safe and effective. The results of this modified radiotherapy protocol are encouraging and should be considered in future patient treatment and study designs.

FDG-PET might not contribute to improving survival in patients with locally advanced inoperable esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

In Japan, positron emission tomography using ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) has been covered by the national health insurance for esophageal cancer since 2006. FDG-PET is commonly performed in advanced esophageal cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of FDG-PET on survival in patients with locally advanced inoperable esophageal cancer.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients with cT4 and without M1 esophageal cancer on CT in our institution between 2000 and 2014, and data for 78 patients who meet the eligibility criteria described below were used for analysis in this study. The eligibility criteria included (1) cT4 esophageal cancer without distant metastases or M1 lymph node metastasis (UICC 2002), (2) histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma, (3) 20-79 years of age, (4) having undergone at least 1 cycle of concomitant chemotherapy, (5) having been irradiated with 50 Gy or more, and (6) no other active malignant tumor during treatment.

RESULTS

Two patients were excluded because abdominal lymph node metastases or neck lymph node metastases were detected by FDG-PET. In 78 eligible patients, FDG-PET was not performed before treatment in 41 of the 78 patients and was performed in the other patients. The median observation period was 68 months. The 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates in 78 patients were 36.9% and 30.8%, respectively. There was no significant difference in overall survival or progression-free survival between patients in whom FDG-PET was performed and those in whom FDG-PET was not performed (12.0 months vs. 11.0 months, p = 0.920 and 6.0 months vs. 6.0 months, p = 0.844, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with only CT, additional information from FDG-PET is not associated with improving survival in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer. Our results suggest that FDG-PET might not have much meaning for survival in locally advanced esophageal cancer.

Clinical outcome of elderly patients (≥ 70 years) with esophageal cancer undergoing definitive or neoadjuvant radio(chemo)therapy: a retrospective single center analysis

BACKGROUND

To analyse the outcome of elderly patients (≥70 years) with esophageal cancer treated with curative intent radio(chemo)therapy.

METHODS

Fifty five patients (median 75 years) receiving curative intent radio(chemo)therapy for esophageal cancer from 1999 to 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Most patients showed locally advanced disease (T3/4:78%, N+:58%) with squamous cell histology (74%). Charlson comorbidity score was > 1 in 27%. 48 patients (87%) received definitive treatment while 7 patients were treated neoadjuvantly. RT was carried out as 3D-conformal treatment or IMRT. Concurrent chemotherapy was applied in 85%, mainly cisplatin/5-FU or mitomycin/5-FU. ¹⁸FDG-PET/CT staging was used in 65%.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 11 months (1-68) and 21 months in survivors. 1- and 2-year rates of LRC, DC, FFTF and OS were 60%/45, 81%/72, 55%/41 and 46%/26% for the entire cohort. In univariate analysis, addition of surgery was associated with improved LRC and FFTF, nodal involvement with improved DC and lower T stage, lower Charlson score and use of PET-CT with improved OS. In multivariate analysis, lower T stage and lower Charlson score remained significant for OS. Patients treated after 2008 showed a significantly improved FFTF (1-year FFTF 64% vs 35%) and OS (1-year OS 66% vs 24%). Maximum (chemo)radiation related grade3+ toxicity was observed in 80% including 7 deaths (13%). Grade5 toxicity was significantly associated with Charlson score (CS > 1:33% vs CS ≤ 1:5%) and treatment period (24% before vs 3% after 2008). The patients treated after 2008 included significantly more SCCs, less T4 stages, had a higher percentage of PET-CT staging and were treated with smaller field lengths. Trends were also observed for lower Charlson scores and increased use of IMRT.

CONCLUSION

Curative intent (chemo)radiation of elderly patients with esophageal cancer may result in considerable toxicity and unfavorable outcome. However, a clear improvement over time was observed in our cohort, probably based on improved patient selection. In patients with less advanced stages and lower comorbidity similar results as in younger cohorts seem achievable with modern staging and treatment approaches. Age per se should not be a decisive factor, but careful attention should be paid regarding patient selection including a structured and tight follow-up strategy.

Radiotherapy volume delineation using 18F-FDG-PET/CT modifies gross node volume in patients with oesophageal cancer

PURPOSE

Evidence supporting the use of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in the segmentation process of oesophageal cancer for radiotherapy planning is limited. Our aim was to compare the volumes and tumour lengths defined by fused PET/CT vs. CT simulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-nine patients were analyzed. All patients underwent a single PET/CT simulation scan. Two separate GTVs were defined: one based on CT data alone and another based on fused PET/CT data. Volume sizes for both data sets were compared and the spatial overlap was assessed by the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC).

RESULTS

The gross tumour volume (GTVtumour) and maximum tumour diameter were greater by PET/CT, and length of primary tumour was greater by CT, but differences were not statistically significant. However, the gross node volume (GTVnode) was significantly greater by PET/CT. The DSC analysis showed excellent agreement for GTVtumour, 0.72, but was very low for GTVnode, 0.25.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that the volume definition by PET/CT and CT data differs. CT simulation, without taking into account PET/CT information, might leave cancer-involved nodes out of the radiotherapy-delineated volumes.