Assessing Therapy in Advanced Breast Cancer

Scientists recently reported that the effectiveness of chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer can be assessed earlier by utilizing positron emission tomography (PET) scanning rather than other current imaging modalities.

PET scanning performed at baseline and after treatment is initiated "allowed prediction of response as early as after the first cycle of chemotherapy,” said Dr. Norbert Avril, chief of nuclear medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (PA, USA).

Traditional imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), plain film radiography, and ultrasound, do not accurately predict therapy response early in the course of treatment, according to Dr. Arvil. Chemotherapy is usually used to improve survival and quality of life. He said it is necessary to identify early those individuals who do not respond to chemotherapy "to avoid ineffective therapies and unnecessary side effects.”

Dr. Arvil reported in the study that the ability to customize treatment provides patients and clinicians with options not previously available. The study was published in the July 2005 issue of Journal of Nuclear Medicine.




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University of Pittsburgh Medical Center