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Another study suggests that FDG PET/CT scans can be a powerful predictor of survival in malignant pleural mesothelioma. FDG PET/CT uses a radioactive glucose analog tracer molecule and two types of imaging studies to gather important information about tumors. The FDDG PET test is based on the fact that cancer cells are more metabolically active than most normal cells and are likely to absorb more of the tracer and to do it more quickly than healthy cells. At the same time, CT can create a three-dimensional image of a mesothelioma tumor. Because these two tests can quickly provide so much information, FDG PET/CT is often used to diagnose and stage mesothelioma and other cancers. In the newest study of FDG PET/CT, researchers examined the cases of patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma at one English hospital between January 2005 and December 2011. With a goal of determining the relationship between FDG PET/CT and mesothelioma survival, the researchers looked at standard uptake values (SUV – how much of the tracer was absorbed), metabolic tumor volume (MTV – the volume of the metabolically active portion of the tumor), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG – mean SUV multiplied by tumor volume). When the different variables were considered one at the time in each mesothelioma case (univariate analysis), histological subtype, TLG, and MTV were “significantly associated with overall survival”. When the various parameters were considered in groups (multivariate analysis), histological subtype and TLG were the factors more closely linked to survival. There were no statistically significant differences in the PET/CT parameters between the different mesothelioma subtypes. The median follow-up for patients in the study was 12.7 months and the median overall survival was 14.1 months. The researchers conclude that TLG and MTV – parameters that take into account “functional volume” – are closely linked to survival in malignant pleural mesothelioma patients and warrant further study. A Turkish study of 177 mesothelioma patients earlier this year reached a similar conclusion, calling for a better understanding of the importance of FDG PET/CT measurements to allow for more targeted mesothelioma treatments. Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. This article was written by a third party and its content reflects the views of the third party and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions or of Surviving Mesothelioma or Cancer Monthly. If anyone is in the unfortunate position to be suffering from Mesothelioma compensation they are likely to be offered with choice of treatments, which were dependent upon the several factors. To know more about Mesothelioma lung cancer just do visit us.
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