Prognostic prediction by 18F-FDG-PET/CT parameters in patients with neuroblastoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose Neuroblastoma is a solid malignant tumor with high malignancy and risk for metastasis. The prognosis of neuroblastoma ranges from spontaneous regression to insensitivity therapies widespread There non-invasive, panoramic imaging technique called 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose ( F-FDG) positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT), which can provide both complete anatomical information via CT extent FDG uptake value in tumors detection. PET/CT powerful approach estimating tumoral metabolic activities, parameters have been demonstrated be associated the various tumors. However, predictive performance remains unclear. This meta-analysis aims assess values maximum standardized (SUVmax), volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG) progression-free survival (PFS), event-free (EFS), overall (OS) patients. Methods Literature PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web Science January 1985 June 2023 was searched studies evaluating neuroblastoma. Search items mainly included “Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography” “Neuroblastoma”. Hazard ratio (HR) used as pooled statistic association SUVmax, MTV, TLG PFS, EFS, OS Heterogeneity test sensitivity analysis were performed. Results eight included, 325 participants. Meta-analysis showed that higher SUVmax shorter [HR = 1.27, 95% CI (1.11, 1.45), p 0.001], while no PFS 1.03, (0.99, 1.07), 0.222] EFS 2.58, (0.37, 18.24), 0.341] presented. MTV 2.46, (0.34, 18.06), 0.376] 2.60, (0.68, 9.88), 0.161]. statistically significant between 1.00, (1.00, 1.00), 0.00], HR 1, so could not concluded, 0.974]. Conclusion High indicates poor patients are potential prognostic predictors need further validated by more well-designed studies. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ , identifier 340729.