18F-FDG PET/CT in pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A role at initial imaging staging?

Diagn Interv Imaging. 2019 Dec;100(12):735-741. doi: 10.1016/j.diii.2019.07.006. Epub 2019 Aug 8.

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma represents 90% of all pancreatic tumors. The only hope for prolonged survival in patients with this condition still remains surgery with complete R0 resection. Initial imaging has a pivotal role to identify patients who are eligible to curative surgery and those who may benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This review provides an analysis of the recent literature on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Performances of FDG PET in the detection of lymph node involvement and metastatic spread at initial staging and those in the assessment of response to treatment are described.

Keywords: 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET/CT); Imaging; Pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / mortality
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / therapy
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasm Staging / methods*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / mortality
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / therapy
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Patient Selection
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography*
  • Prognosis
  • Radiopharmaceuticals*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18