FDG-PET/CT staging for muscle-invasive bladder cancer: A nationwide population-based study

What is it about?

This study investigates the use and outcomes of pre-treatment fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) on lymph-node involvement in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients in the Netherlands. FDG-PET/CT was performed in a quarter of MIBC patients between November 2017 and October 2019. Among patients staged with CT and FDG-PET/CT, lymph-node involvement was reported approximately three times more frequently than in patients who underwent CT only. FDG-PET/CT led to clinical nodal upstaging in almost one-fifth of patients staged cN0 by CT. The study found that a nationwide population-based study provides valuable insight into the use and outcomes of pre-treatment FDG-PET/CT on the lymph-node status in MIBC patients.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it provides insight into the use and staging information on lymph-node involvement added by fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). The study helps to improve pre-treatment staging of patients with MIBC by identifying the use and outcomes of FDG-PET/CT on lymph node status in a nationwide population-based cohort. This information can help guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes. Key Takeaways: 1. A quarter of Dutch patients with MIBC underwent FDG-PET/CT between 2017 and 2019. 2. Among patients with MIBC staged with CT and FDG-PET/CT, lymph node involvement was reported approximately three times more frequently than in patients who underwent CT only. 3. FDG-PET/CT led to clinical nodal upstaging in approximately one-fifth of patients staged cN0 by CT. 4. The sensitivity of FDG-PET/CT for LN assessment is superior to CT with comparable specificity. 5. FDG-PET/CT can detect smaller LN metastases than CT. 6. Patients who underwent FDG-PET/CT were more likely to receive preoperative chemotherapy.