Tumor Glucose Metabolism and Its Heterogeneity on F-18 FDG PET/CT Provide Better Prognostication in Nonmetastatic Human Papillomavirus-Related Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: We aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of metabolic parameters on baseline F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who were diagnosed with nonmetastatic HPV-related OPSCC using the 8th TNM staging system from 2010 to 2015 and underwent baseline F-18 FDG PET/CT. Tumor SUVmax to liver SUVmean ratio (SUVmax-TLR), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), tumor total lesion glycolysis to liver SUVmean ratio (TLG-TLR), and coefficient of variation (CV) of the primary tumor were measured. Patients were primarily treated with surgery or radiotherapy. Endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results: Ninety consecutive patients (male, 72; female, 18) were enrolled. They were followed up for a median of 77.4 months (interquartile range, 48.4-106.4). Sixteen patients progressed, and 13 died. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients with advanced age, overall stage, and higher SUVmax-TLR or CV had poorer PFS and OS.

Conclusion: Higher SUVmax-TLR and CV of the primary tumor on baseline F-18 FDG PET/CT were associated with poorer PFS and OS in patients with nonmetastatic HPV-related OPSCC. Further study is warranted to address the possible implications of F-18 FDG PET/CT on treatment de-intensification in these patients.