18F-FDG uptake by rectal cancer is similar in mucinous and nonmucinous histological subtypes

• Published in: Annals of nuclear medicine 2016-10, Vol.30 (8), p.513-517
• Main Authors: dos Anjos, Dalton A., Habr-Gama, Angelita, Vailati, Bruna B., Rossi, Cecilia B., Coturel, Adelina E., Perez, Rodrigo O., São Julião, Guilherme P., de Sousa, João B., Buchpiguel, Carlos A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Imaging; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Nuclear Medicine; Original Article; Radiology
• ISSN: 0914-7187; 1864-6433
• DOI: 10.1007/s12149-016-1089-4

Purpose PET/CT has been considered limited for the evaluation of mucinous colorectal tumors due to low 18 F-FDG uptake. The aim of our study was to compare PET/CT variables in mucinous (MC) and nonmucinous (NMC) rectal adenocarcinomas. Methods Consecutive patients with cT2-4N0-2M0 rectal cancer included in a prospective clinical trial were reviewed. PET/CT was performed for primary baseline staging. Visual and quantitative analysis included SUVmax and SUVmean, metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). PET/CT parameters were compared according to histological subtypes. Results Overall, 73 patients were included (18 mucinous and 55 nonmucinous). SUVmax values were similar between MC and NMC (19.7 vs. 16.6; p  = 0.5). MTV and TLG values were greater in the MC group (103.9 vs. 54.1; p  = 0.007 and 892.5 vs. 358.8; p  = 0.020) due to larger tumor volumes of MC. Conclusions Metabolic parameters at baseline PET/CT for patients with rectal cancer are similar in mucinous and nonmucinous histological subtypes.