[The role of FDG-PET-CT in the evaluation of primary systemic therapy in breast cancer: links between metabolic and pathological remission].

INTRODUCTION: FDG-PET-CT is highly sensitive in detection of viable tumour tissue, giving an importance for that in oncological diagnostics.

AIM: The authors analysed retrospectively the relationship between metabolic response and changes in Ki-67, a proliferation marker.

METHODS: Staging FDG-PET-CT scans (before and after therapy) SUVs (Standardized Uptake Value), and morphological changes in the primary tumour and axillary lymph node region were evaluated in 30 patients with breast cancer. Calculated ΔSUV were compared with Ki-67 proliferation marker (measured in biopsies and surgical specimens).

RESULTS: The decrease of SUV and size were significant in the primary tumour and the axillary lymph node region. Decrease of Ki-67 was significant. Significant correlation was found between Ki-67 and SUV before therapy, initial Ki-67 and ΔSUV, and ΔKi-67 and ΔSUV.

CONCLUSIONS: The metabolic changes were more sensitive in the measurement of the therapeutic response than morphological remission, and they correlated well with the pathological response, in not standardized clinical conditions even.