Post PRRT & Post SPECT - Quantitative Response

Posted by markmark007 @markmark007, Feb 21 1:37pm

Do any of your providers use quantitative methods to understand post treatment effectiveness e.g. tumor size; tumor burden; etc.?
If so, can you share what is used?
I understand SPECT scans can generate SUVs for tumors; however, it seems that in general SUVs (no matter the source) are not given much credence.
It seems so apparent that quantitative assessment is the sure way to monitor treatment effects, but our providers do not agree for a multi tude of reasons.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) Support Group.

mcharlesfrancis | @mcharlesfrancis | Feb 22 6:14am

While SPECT and PET scans can generate Standardized Uptake Values (SUVs) to quantify tumor metabolic activity, they are often treated with caution because they are not absolute metrics. SUVs are highly susceptible to variability from technical factors (scanner calibration, reconstruction techniques), biological factors (patient body habitus, glucose levels), and non-cancerous causes of uptake (inflammation, FROM AI

zacharycat | @zacharycat | Feb 22 8:29am

My uptake went way up after liver ablation. The surgeon explained that this was normal.

sophiarose | @sophiarose | Feb 23 8:27am

In reply to @zacharycat "My uptake went way up after liver ablation. The surgeon explained that this was normal." + (show)

My oncologist does really look at SUVs he said their are too many variables that can make them change
Inflammation infection glucose
I had 2 liver embolizations and I suffered with the second one from a hepatic infrac and inflammation
I wouldn’t worry your body needs to heal
Best of luck

markmark007 | @markmark007 | Feb 23 9:26am

Thanks for the responses -
For clarification:
I continue to inquire if anyone obtained lesion measurements (quantitative assessments) taken by their provider(s)/ radiologists - post treatment.

Many thanks

jlsgt | @jlsgt | Feb 23 4:25pm

I'm in the boat where SUVs or Uptake values in general are not discussed so much. We look at my PET scan results, tumor sizes, summaries, etc. as a way to determine changes in cancer growth. I personally take a picture of the front view of my PET scans every time and compare those over time. That's just my amateur way of studying the cancer I live with on my phone.