Background: The usefulness of 18FDG PET/CT scan in the evaluation of thymic epithelial tumours (TETs) has been reported by several authors, but data are still limited and its application in clinical practice is far from being defined. Methods: We performed a narrative review of pertinent literature in order to clarify the role of 18FDG PET/CT in the prediction of TET histology and to discuss clinical implications and future perspectives. Results: There is only little evidence that 18FDG PET/CT scan may distinguish thymic hyperplasia from thymic epithelial tumours. On the other hand, it seems to discriminate well thymomas from carcinomas and, even more, to predict the grade of malignancy (WHO classes). To this end, SUVmax and other PET variables (i.e., the ratio between SUVmax and tumour dimensions) have been adopted, with good results. Finally, however promising, the future of PET/CT and theranostics in TETs is far from being defined; more robust analysis of imaging texture on thymic neoplasms, as well as new exploratory studies with "stromal PET tracers," are ongoing. Conclusions: PET may play a role in predicting histology in TETs and help physicians in the management of these insidious malignancies.

Is PET/CT Able to Predict Histology in Thymic Epithelial Tumours? A Narrative Review / M. Chiappetta, P. Mendogni, M. Cattaneo, J. Evangelista, P. Farina, D.A. Pizzuto, S. Annunziata, A. Castello, M.T. Congedo, D. Tabacco, C. Sassorossi, M. Castellani, M. Nosotti, S. Margaritora, F. Lococo. - In: DIAGNOSTICS. - ISSN 2075-4418. - 13:1(2023 Jan), pp. 98.1-98.12. [10.3390/diagnostics13010098]

Is PET/CT Able to Predict Histology in Thymic Epithelial Tumours? A Narrative Review

M. Cattaneo;M. Nosotti;
2023

Abstract

Background: The usefulness of 18FDG PET/CT scan in the evaluation of thymic epithelial tumours (TETs) has been reported by several authors, but data are still limited and its application in clinical practice is far from being defined. Methods: We performed a narrative review of pertinent literature in order to clarify the role of 18FDG PET/CT in the prediction of TET histology and to discuss clinical implications and future perspectives. Results: There is only little evidence that 18FDG PET/CT scan may distinguish thymic hyperplasia from thymic epithelial tumours. On the other hand, it seems to discriminate well thymomas from carcinomas and, even more, to predict the grade of malignancy (WHO classes). To this end, SUVmax and other PET variables (i.e., the ratio between SUVmax and tumour dimensions) have been adopted, with good results. Finally, however promising, the future of PET/CT and theranostics in TETs is far from being defined; more robust analysis of imaging texture on thymic neoplasms, as well as new exploratory studies with "stromal PET tracers," are ongoing. Conclusions: PET may play a role in predicting histology in TETs and help physicians in the management of these insidious malignancies.
18F-FDG PET/CT; thymoma; thymic epithelial tumour; radiometabolic assessment; WHO; histology
Settore MED/21 - Chirurgia Toracica
gen-2023
29-dic-2022
Article (author)
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/951395
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