18F-FDG-PET/CT for the detection of disease in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy

Abstract

FDG-PET/CT is able to detect residual disease after (chemo)radiotherapy, with an optimal time point for scanning between 11-12 weeks after therapy. However, a reevaluation is probably necessary 10-12 months after the FDG-PET/CT to detect late recurrences. In addition, FDG-PET/CT can guide decisions about neck dissection and identifies patients with poor prognosis.