The impact of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) on the decision-making process in breast cancer patients: The experience of Bologna's S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital

10588 Background: 18F-FDG-PET is rapidly spreading “technology” in oncology. Its appropriate use and the clinical settings in which it can modify decision-making need to be defined. Methods: All the requests for 18F-FDG-PET issued by the Medical Oncology Unit are submitted to internal audit. The aim is to evaluate the impact of the information deriving from the test on the subsequent therapeutic strategy in breast cancer patients (pts). From July 2002 to July 2005, 195 18F-FDG-PET examinations were performed in 110 pts. Pt series have been subdivided according to disease stage or clinical setting: Group 1) NED during the follow-up 23 (11.8%); Group 2) suspected first recurrence 52 (26.7%) (included 20 cases with an isolated elevation of CA15.3 and/or CEA serum levels); Group 3) overt metastases: a) single lesion 10 (5.1%), b) multiple lesions with suspected disease progression 26 (13.3%), c) re-evaluation of non-progressive metastatic disease 84 (43.1%). Results: Overall, 18F-FDG-PET was positive in 112 (...