18FDG PET-CT for detecting gastric cancer recurrence after surgical resection: a meta-analysis

Background: We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the value of (18)FDG PET-CT for the detection of gastric cancer recurrence after surgical resection.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio for (18)FDG PET-CT. We also constructed summary receiver operating characteristic curves for (18)FDG PET-CT.

Results: Eight studies (500 patients) were included. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio of (18)FDG PET-CT were 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.71-0.94), 0.88 (95% CI = 0.75-0.94), 17.0 (95% CI = 3.5-14.0), and 0.16 (95% CI = 0.07-0.34), respectively. Overall weighted area under the curve was 0.93 (95% CI = 0.91-0.95).

Conclusions: (18)FDG PET-CT has moderate sensitivity and specificity for detection of gastric cancer recurrence after surgical resection.