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World J Gastrointest Oncol. Oct 15, 2009; 1(1): 34-37
Published online Oct 15, 2009. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v1.i1.34
Positron emission tomography’s changing significance in the treatment of esophageal cancer
Shane Hopkins, Gary Yang
Shane Hopkins, Gary Yang, Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263, United States
Author contributions: Hopkins S was primary author and Yang G participated in the conception, editing, and final review of the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Gary Yang, MD, Associate Professor, Director, GI Radiation Medicine, Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263, United States. gary.yang@roswellpark.org
Telephone: +11-716-8453296 Fax: +11-716-8457616
Received: February 3, 2009
Revised: March 20, 2009
Accepted: March 27, 2009
Published online: October 15, 2009
Abstract

Incidence of esophageal cancer has been rising, and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is one tool that has shown utility and promise as a tool for staging, treatment response, and prognosis. PET delivery has evolved over time and is now frequently registered with a CT scan at the time of acquisition. However, resolution and confounders such as post-treatment radiation changes may limit clinical utility. PET has been shown to be helpful in staging, especially in evaluating for distant metastases. PET acquired after chemoradiation may give important prognostic information that can guide additional treatment decisions. Studies have had substantial variability in recommendations for the timing and manner of using PET for this purpose, and additional study is needed.

Keywords: Positron emission tomography; Esophageal cancer; Staging