Recurrence Detection by Hybrid [F]FDG-PET in Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background: In the clinical management of advanced stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, the use of hybrid [F]FDG-PET imaging is well established. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the optimal frequency of hybrid PET scans to be included in follow-up protocols, particularly if the initial post-therapeutic scan is negative.

Methods: We conducted a single-center 10-year retrospective study involving all patients who underwent hybrid PET scans for the follow-up of advanced stage head and neck cancer.