Benefits of FDG-PET Scans for Oncology Care Detailed
A number of studies examining the impact of FDG-PET in treating patients with malignancy have been recently published, most of which highlight the benefits of this modality. A study completed by the National Oncologic PET Registry (NOPR) published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology indicates that FDG-PET frequently alters clinical decision-making.
The NOPR study collected data from more than 23,000 patients across the United States who were treated at 1,200 different healthcare facilities. The goal of the research was to evaluate the impact of PET studies on the management of patients with cancer.
Information is collected in a questionnaire format about intended patient management both before and after patients with malignancy undergo FDG-PET. Clinicians from healthcare facilities participating in the NOPR completed questionnaire describing why patients underwent the study, type of cancer and anticipated stage, and management plans if PET imaging had not been accessible. A number of questionnaires were also completed after patients underwent scanning. One key piece of information collected after studies was if and how treatment plans were modified in light of findings from FDG-PET.
Analysis completed indicated that findings from FDG-PET studies changed treatment plans in 36.5 percent of cases assessed. One finding that the researchers found particularly intriguing was the decreased use of biopsy based on information from the PET studies. Clinicians were more likely not to require biopsies after procuring these images in almost 70 percent of the cases. As well, it was more likely that clinicians were to commence treatment based on findings from PET rather than cease plans for such with those results available. In fact, discontinuing biopsy plans was three-times more likely than stopping treatment efforts.
This study with the NOPR was managed by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the ACR Imaging Network. The Academy of Molecular Imaging (AMI) sponsored the effort. The NOPR program commenced in response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services requirement that coverage be offered with an evidence base indicating its utility.
April 1, 2008 Related topics: Imaging, Diagnostic, Radiology, Hematology & Oncology