The role of positron emission tomography/computed tomography in planning radiotherapy in endometrial cancer

Abstract

Objective The optimal method of assessing disease distribution in endometrial cancer is widely debated. Knowledge of disease distribution assists in planning adjuvant radiotherapy; in this study we used positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to assess disease distribution before radiotherapy. Methods Seventy-three consecutive patients referred to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre for adjuvant radiotherapy for endometrial cancer, with either high-risk disease after a hysterectomy or recurrent disease, had a PET/CT before treatment. The findings on PET/CT and clinical course were recorded. Results PET/CT found additional disease in 35% of postoperative patients, changing planned treatment in 31%. In the group with known recurrence, additional disease was found in 72%, changing management in 36%. Conclusions PET/CT is a valuable tool for planning radiotherapy in endometrial cancer.