Abstract

FDG-PET/CT imaging biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Author(s): Vasavi Paidpally, Alin Chirindel, Stella Lam, Nishant Agrawal, Harry Quon and Rathan M Subramaniam

This article discusses the value of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose PET/CT imaging biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose PET/CT is valuable at baseline staging, radiotherapy planning, therapy response assessment and in the follow-up of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Maximum and peak standardized uptake value (SUVmax and SUVpeak), metabolic tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis are the common 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose quantitative parameters that have been studied, along with qualitative assessments. These parameters will be evaluated with respect to their established or potential role as noninvasive biomarkers for patient risk stratification, treatment response and survival outcome.