Head and neck cancer: effect of food ingestion on uptake of C-11 methionine.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To determine the influence of a standardized meal on tumor uptake measured with positron emission tomography (PET) and L-(methyl-carbon-11) methionine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Five patients with untreated squamous cell cancer of the head and neck underwent PET, first in a fasting state and then 6-7 days later after ingesting a liquid meal.

RESULTS:

All tumors were seen on PET scans, and image quality remained good after food ingestion. The standardized uptake values of the tumors were 3.7-11.4 in the fasting state but decreased after the meal (range, 3.3-10.0; P < .04). No substantial change was measured in tumor C-11 methionine influx constants (Ki values).

CONCLUSION:

Although cancer imaging with PET and C-11 methionine can be performed even in the patient has not fasted, a standardized meal may decrease tumor C-11 methionine uptake.

• Authors: P Lindholm, S Leskinen-Kallio, O Kirvelä, K Någren, P Lehikoinen, K Pulkki, O Peltola, U Ruotsalainen, M Teräs, H Joensuu
• Journal: Radiology (Radiology) Vol. 190 Issue 3 Pg. 863-7 (Mar 1994) ISSN: 0033-8419 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8115641 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Carbon Radioisotopes
• Methionine

Topics

• Aged
• Carbon Radioisotopes
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (diagnostic imaging, metabolism)
• Fasting
• Food
• Head and Neck Neoplasms (diagnostic imaging, metabolism)
• Humans
• Male
• Methionine
• Middle Aged
• Tomography, Emission-Computed