RESUMO
The most common primary malignant disease in the world amongst women is carcinoma breast. Metabolic activity of a lesion (SUVmax) has strong clinical correlation with various prognostic factors according to numerous literature reviews. The main aim of this study is to assess the correlation between maximum Standardized Uptake Value [SUVmax] and initial disease staging (as per AJCC TNM-8th edition). We wanted to study the correlation between metabolic activity [SUVmax] of the primary tumour in breast carcinoma, and size of the primary, nodal and distant metastatic status.METHODSThis is an observational study conducted over a period of two years in breast cancer patients [n=139] undergoing PET-CT as a part of initial staging. PET-CT was done using Siemens Horizon True-V PET according to institutional protocols.RESULTSSignificantly higher SUVmax values were observed in tumours with larger size [>2 cms]. However, there was no significant correlation between SUVmax of primary tumours and the status of axillary nodal involvement and distant metastases [p = 0.125 and 0.847 respectively].CONCLUSIONSMetabolic activity of primary breast cancer has strong clinical correlation with size; however, there is no such correlation found in nodal and metastatic spread of the disease.
RESUMO
Background: Recently neoadjuvant chemotherapy has started being considered for advanced stage of carcinoma cervix. Drug delivery to pelvic tumour is optimal with neoadjuvant chemotherapy since tumour vascular supply has not been damaged by any previous pelvic interference. Tumor size and parametrial involvement have been reported to be important predictor of NACT response. Objective of this study was to find out association between size of cervical lesion in locally advanced carcinoma cervix and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Methods: The present prospective cohort study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology with the collaboration of Department of Radiotherapy, Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University Lucknow for a period of 1-year august 2010 to august 2011. 26 patients with histologically proven locally advanced carcinoma cervix were studied. In all cases Cisplatin 75 mg/m2 and paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 on day one was given at 14 days interval up to maximum of three courses. Evaluation of operability status was done two weeks after second course of chemotherapy. Those found operable were taken up for radical hysterectomy and rest were given 3rd course of chemotherapy. After two weeks of 3rd course again operability assessment was done and patient was taken up either for surgery or radiotherapy.Results: It was observed that out of 14 patients who had tumour size <4 cm, 9 (64.2%) responded completely (CR), 2 (14.2%) responded partially and 3 (21.4%) responded as SD while in 12 patients with tumour size >4 cm, 4 (33.3%) responded completely (CR) and rest 8 (66.6%) response was partial (PR).Conclusions: Response to chemotherapy was modified by pre-treatment volume of the tumour.