The Diagnostic Value of 18F-FDG PETCT in Association with Serum Tumor Marker Assays in Breast Cancer Recurrence and Metastasis

Abstract EN

Background.

After initial treatment of breast cancer (BC), monitoring locoregional recurrence and distant metastases is a great clinical challenge.

Objective.

To evaluate the efficacy of PET/CT in association with serum tumor makers in BC follow-up.

Methods.

Twenty-six women with a history of modified radical mastectomy were evaluated by 18F-FDG PET/CT.

The results of PET/CT were compared with those of conventional imaging techniques (CITs) (including mammography, chest radiography, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and bone scintigraphy).

Serum tumor markers of CEA, CA 125, and CA 15-3 in the BC patients were also analyzed in association with the results of PET/CT.

Results.

Compared with CITs, PET/CT was more sensitive to detect the malignant foci and had better patient-based sensitivity and specificity.

The mean CA 15-3 serum level was significantly higher in the confirmed positive patients of PET/CT results than in the confirmed negative ones, while there were no significant differences in the serum levels of CEA and CA 125 of both groups.

Conclusion.

PET/CT is a highly efficient tool for BC follow-up compared with CITs.

The high serum levels of CA 15-3 in confirmed positive PET/CT patients indicated the clinical value of CA 15-3 in BC follow-up.