A new study of esophageal carcinoma patients aims to prove that PET should be incorporated into routine, preoperative assessment of patients who are candidates for esophagectomy.
The American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) on Dec. 10 announced the opening of a clinical study to evaluate PET scanning in the staging of patients with potentially operable carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus.
The study will determine "whether PET scanning can detect lesions that would preclude esophagectomy in patients who are found to be surgical candidates by standard radiographic staging," the announcement said. Pinpointing which lesions are most easily identified by PET scanning is another goal.
Should the study be successful, the nuclear medicine community could see the expansion of Medicare coverage of PET. In June 1998, the Health Care Financing Administration began reimbursement for PET scans for lung cancer; in July 1999, the agency added colorectal cancer, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and melanoma to the reimbursement list.
Patients with T1-3, NO-1, MO squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the thoracic esophagus or gastroesophageal junction who are potential candidates for esophagectomy are eligible for the study.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writersDecember 13, 1999
