Evaluation of PET-CT Scan in Staging and Prognostication of Newly Diagnosed Breast Carcinoma (Code-T0126)

Introduction: Accurate staging and prognostication are critical in the management of breast carcinoma. PET-CT, with its ability to combine metabolic and anatomical imaging, offers a comprehensive approach to assess primary tumors, lymph node involvement, and distant metastases, aiding in therapeutic decision-making and predicting outcomes.

Aims and Objectives:

1. To study how PET-CT scan affects staging of newly diagnosed breast cancer
2. To study impact of PET-CT scan on subsequent management in newly diagnosed cases of breast carcinoma
3. To study the impact of PET-CT on prognosis of newly diagnosed cancer

Methods: This prospective study included 150 newly diagnosed breast carcinoma patients. PET-CT scans were performed to assess the metabolic activity of primary tumors, regional lymph nodes, and distant metastatic sites. Standardized uptake values (SUVmax) were recorded, and findings were compared with conventional imaging and histopathology. Follow-up data were collected to assess progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Statistical analysis determined correlations between PET-CT findings and clinical outcomes.

Results: PET-CT demonstrated superior sensitivity and specificity in detecting regional and distant metastases compared to conventional imaging. High SUVmax values were significantly associated with advanced tumor stages, aggressive histopathological features, and poorer PFS and OS (p < 0.05). PET-CT findings altered the initial staging in 15% of cases, impacting treatment strategies.

Conclusion: PET-CT is a valuable tool in the initial staging of breast carcinoma, providing critical insights into tumor biology and prognosis. Its integration into diagnostic workflows can optimize patient management and predict outcomes effectively.

Keywords: PET-CT, breast carcinoma, staging, prognosis, SUVmax, imaging.