FDG-PET/CT imaging biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

This article discusses the value of ¹⁸F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose PET/CT imaging biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. ¹⁸F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose PET/CT is valuable at baseline staging, radiotherapy planning, therapy response assessment and in the follow-up of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Maximum and peak standardized uptake value (SUV_max and SUV_peak), metabolic tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis are the common ¹⁸F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose quantitative parameters that have been studied, along with qualitative assessments. These parameters will be evaluated with respect to their established or potential role as noninvasive biomarkers for patient risk stratification, treatment response and survival outcome.