High impact of 18F-FDG-PET on management and prognostic stratification of newly diagnosed small cell lung cancer.

Abstract

PURPOSE: We evaluated whether 18F-FDG-PET altered stage classification, management, and prognostic stratification of newly diagnosed small cell lung cancer (SCLC). PROCEDURES: We identified 46 consecutive patients undergoing staging positron emission tomography for SCLC from 1993-2008 inclusive. Updated survival data from the state Cancer Registry was available on 42 of 46 patients. RESULTS: PET altered stage classification in 12 of 46 (26%) patients. PET altered treatment modality in nine patients, and the target mediastinal radiation field in another three patients. Therefore, PET altered management in 12 of 46 (26%) patients. Patients with limited disease (LD) on pre-PET staging had signi..