Abstract:
Objective This study aimed to evaluate the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in predicting the prognosis of patients with gallbladder carcinoma.
Methods A total of 95 patients who were clinically suspected with gallbladder carcinoma from April 2005 to November 2012 were examined by 18F-FDG PET/CT.All cases were confirmed for gallbladder carcinoma; 68 cases were found to be pathological, and 27 were found to be long-term clinical follow-up cases.The relationship of PET/CT imaging date and other factors with the survival of the 95 patients with gallbladder carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the role of PET/CT imaging in the prognosis of patients with gallbladder carcinoma.
Results A total of 51 patients died and 44 patients survived out of the 95 patients with gallbladder carcinoma.Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the survival time of patients in group A(SUVmax≤8.5) and group B(SUVmax > 8.5) was statistically different(266, 166) at P < 0.05.The survival time of patients belonging to different PET/CT staging was also statistically different at P < 0.05.Cox multi-factor analysis indicated(maximum standardized uptake values, SUVmax) that the preoperative serum(CA19-9) level and treatment methods were all independent risk factors that prevented the long-term survival of the patients.
Conclusion PET/CT staging and SUVmax of the primary tumor before treatment are important in estimating the prognosis of patients with gallbladder carcinoma.PET/CT staging and SUVmax can be utilized to set immediate individualized treatment, improve the curative effect, and extend the lifespan of patients with gallbladder carcinoma.