Modification of glucose metabolism in brain tumors by using cervical spinal cord stimulation.

Object: In previous studies the authors have shown potential increases in locoregional blood flow and oxygenation in tumors by using electrical cervical spinal cord stimulation (SCS). In the present report they demonstrate the effect of cervical SCS on brain tumor metabolism, as assessed using [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET).

Methods: Cervical devices were inserted in 11 patients who had high-grade gliomas, six of which had recurred.

18F-FDG positron emission tomography staging and restaging in rectal cancer treated with preoperative chemoradiation.

Purpose: To assess the information supplied by FDG-PET in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer both in the initial staging and in the evaluation of tumor changes induced by preoperative chemoradiation (restaging).

Methods And Materials: Twenty-five consecutive patients with rectal cancer were included, with tumor stages (c)T(2-4)N(x)M(0), during the period 1997-1999. We prospectively performed two FDG-PET scans in all patients to assess disease stage (1) at initial diagnosis and (2) presurgically, 4 to 5 weeks after protracted chemoradiation.