Detection of Breast Cancer Recurrence by Using Positron Emission Tomography with 18 Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET)-Computed Tomography (CT) and Tumor Markers

Abstract Background: Breast cancer is responsible for nearly 15% of death in female cancer related death in western countries and is cosidered the second leading cause to death due to cancer in females. In Egypt, it is the most common cancer in female, representing about 38.8% of total cancer cases in women. Early diagnosis of recurrent breast cancer is crucial to selection of the most appropriate therapy. FDG-PET/CT has been used for diagnosis, staging, monitoring response to therapy, and restaging patients with breast cancer. Although FDG-PET/CT may have limited diagnostic value in detecting small primary breast tumors, in staging of the axillary region, and in detecting osteoblastic metastases, it is superior to conventional imaging modalities in detecting distant metastases and in monitoring response to therapy. Aim of Study: To evaluate the role of PET/CT and tumor markers in detection of breast cancer recurrence in Clinical Radio-Diagnosis Department. Patients and Methods: Twenty five female patients their age was from 22-67 years (mean 43 years) all with breast cancer history and elevated serum tumor markers after their initial diagnosis were retrospectively evaluated. PET/CT results were confirmed by further imaging, and follow-up. Changes in further management based on PET/CT were recorded. Results: The patients' age was from 22-67 years. Most of them were (60%) were premenopausal. In this study, 92% had Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) while only 2 patients (8%) had Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma (ILC), fourteen patients (56%) had recurrence of tumor, and 11 (44%) patients showed no further evidence of disease. Fourteen patients had abnormal PET/CT studies, and 11 patients had normal studies with an overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 85.7%, 81.8%, and 84%, respectively. PET/CT was compared with contrast-enhanced CT and had a higher sensitivity (85.7% vs. 71.4%), specificity (81.8% vs. 45.4%), and accuracy (84% vs. 60%). PET/CT was also compared with tumor markers and had a higher sensitivity (85.7% vs. 78.5%), specificity (81.8% vs. 18.1%), and accuracy (84% vs. 52%).Conclusion: FDG-PET/CT was superior to conventional imaging modalities in diagnosis of breast cancer recurrence.