Spectral computed tomography in the assessment of metastatic lymph nodes in cervical cancer patients treated with definitive radiotherapy: a single-center, prospective study

Junfang Yan · 2025-02-05

Identifying metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with cervical cancer treated with definitive radiotherapy may inform treatment strategy and determine prognosis, but available methods have limitations, especially in developing regions. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the performance of quantitative parameters in spectral computed tomography (CT) scanning in this context, focusing on its complementary role alongside conventional diagnostic approaches like 18-fluorine-fuorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography (18 F FDG-PET/CT). Patients with cervical cancer, who underwent pretreatment spectral CT simulation scanning and planned radiotherapy, were enrolled in this prospective study. The LNs were categorized as "metastatic" and "non-metastatic", based on a procedure that included 18 F FDG-PET/CT as well as CT, magnetic resonance imaging, Node Reporting and Data System and follow-up results. Iodine concentrations (IC), normalized IC (NIC), effective atom number (effZ), and spectral curve slope (λ
Links
DOIPubMed
Journal
Clinical & Experimental Metastasis
TL;DR

Spectral CT, while promising, complements rather than replaces PET/CT, especially for diagnosing para-aortic LNs, where PET/CT may have limitations and could be a valuable adjunct to conventional imaging, particularly in settings with limited access to advanced tools.

AI-generated by Semantic Scholar

Institutions
Academy Of Medical Sciences
Authors
Junfang Yan
Funding
National Key R&D Program of China, Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China Grant 2022YFC2407100 and 2022YFC2407101National High Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding Grant 2022-PUMCH-B-052CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (CIFMS) Grant 2023-I2M-C&T-B-039CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences Grant 2023-I2M-C&T-B-039