AIM: To evaluate the influence of 11C-choline PET/CT on radiotherapy planning in prostate cancer patients.
BACKGROUND: Precise information on the extension of prostate cancer is crucial for the choice of an appropriate therapeutic strategy. 11C-choline positron emission tomography (11C-choline PET/CT) has two roles in radiation oncology (RT): (1) patient selection for treatment and (2) target volume selection and delineation. In conjunction with high-accuracy techniques, it might offer an opportunity of dose escalation and better tumour control while sparing healthy tissues.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study in order to analyse RT planning modification based on 11C-choline PET/CT in 16 prostate cancer patients. Patients were treated with hypofractionated step-and-shoot Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), or Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), and a daily cone-beam CT for Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT). All patients underwent a 11C-choline-PET/CT scan prior to radiotherapy.
RESULTS: In 37.5% of cases, a re-delineation and new dose prescription occurred. Data show good preliminary clinical results in terms of biochemical control and toxicity. No gastrointestinal (GI)/genitourinary (GU) grade III toxicities were observed after a median follow-up of 9.5 months.
CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, concerning the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa), 11C-choline PET/CT may be helpful in radiotherapy planning, either for dose escalation or exclusion of selected sites.
Written by:
López E, Lazo A, Gutiérrez A, Arregui G, Núñez I, Sacchetti A. Are you the author?
Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, ONCOSUR, Granada, Spain; Nuclear Medicine Department, CIMES-FGUMA, Málaga, Spain; Medical Physics Department, ONCOSUR, Granada, Spain; Radiology and Physical Medicine Department, Granada University, Spain.
Reference: Rep Pract Oncol Radiother. 2014 Dec 16;20(2):104-12.
doi: 10.1016/j.rpor.2014.11.008
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25859399