uisaacs
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My husband just received his PET scan results and we are not sure exactly what to make of it. His lesions have shrunk considerably and suvs are way down.Uptakes are 1.9, 2.7, and 0. The suvs were originally 15.5, 18.3 and 5.3 respectively. He is 3 weeks out from 6 rds of chemo and his last radiation treatment was beginning of May. He was originally dx with sclc limited. He will receive mri to brain and then start PCI. Please help us understand this report.Our onc says these suvs are minimal and can indicate nothing more than inflammation but we won't know for sure until next PET in 3 months.That seems like a long time to spend in limbo and I guess we could use some reassurance.
Thanks, Ursula
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Reply # - August 2, 2012, 12:26 PM
Reply To: pet scan results restaging
Hi Ursula,
Thank you for your question. I think actually your husband's results are quite encouraging. Although a PET scan can detect cancer, as your doctor points out the scan also picks up other things such as inflammation. So the big reduction in SUV values is great, and the only thing that will show whether there is any residual cancer is at least a pair of scans over time. You can read more about PET scans here: http://cancergrace.org/cancer-101/tag/pet-scans/
If you have more questions, please be sure to post them and we will try to help.
JimC
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Reply # - August 2, 2012, 08:52 PM
Reply To: pet scan results restaging
Yes, as Jim says, there's no way to say anything definitive here. The results are very encouraging, but no scan can definitely say that there is no viable cancer.
After a good response to chemo and radiation for patients with limited stage SCLC, we do generally recommend prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI), so his plan sounds very appropriate.
-Dr. West