Prognostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-uptake in locally advanced soft tissue sarcomas treated with regional chemotherapy

Background: Evaluating the potential role of standardized uptake value (SUV) in patients with locally advanced, non-metastased, high-grade, extremity soft tissue sarcoma. Methods: Thirteen patients scheduled for hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (ILP), referred for a 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET)-scan were eligible. The SUV in the sarcoma lesion was calculated before and six weeks after ILP. After the second scan, surgical resection was performed. Survival data were assessed. Results: Univariate analysis showed prolonged overall survival in those with a low SUVmax value after perfusion (144 ± 8months) compared to those with a high SUVmax (33 ± 8 months) (p=0.004), but SUV max was not an independent prognostic factor (p=0.08). Conclusion: Patients with a high grade locally advanced STS with a high SUVmax postperfusion showed a decreased overall survival compared to patients with a low SUVmax. The opportunities of SUV measurements in diagnosis and treatment evaluation of STS patients needs further exploration.