Late-xerostomia prediction model based on F-FDG PET image biomarkers of the main salivary glands.

Background And Purpose: Recently, a comprehensive xerostomia prediction model was published, based on baseline xerostomia, mean dose to parotid glands (PG) and submandibular glands (SMG). Previously, PET imaging biomarkers (IBMs) of PG were shown to improve xerostomia prediction. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential improvement of the additional PET-IBMs from both PG and SMG to the recent comprehensive xerostomia prediction model (i.

Validation of the F-FDG PET image biomarker model predicting late xerostomia after head and neck cancer radiotherapy.

Background And Purpose: Previously, PET image biomarkers (PET-IBMs) - the 90 percentile standardized uptake value (P90-SUV) and the Mean SUV (Mean-SUV) of the contralateral parotid gland (cPG) - were identified as predictors for late-xerostomia following head and neck cancer (HNC) radiotherapy. The aim of the current study was to assess in an independent validation cohort whether these pre-treatment PET-IBM can improve late-xerostomia prediction compared to the prediction with baseline xerostomia and mean cPG dose alone.

Materials And Methods: The prediction endpoint was patient-rated moderate-to-severe xerostomia at 12 months after radiotherapy.