PET/CT and brain MRI role in staging NSCLC: prospective assessment of the accuracy, reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Aim: To determine whether PET/CT and brain MRI used in staging NSCLC can be accurate, reliable and cost-effective tools. NSCLC represents 80-85% of lung cancer and adequate information on the initial tumor staging is critical for planning an optimal therapeutic strategy.

Patients & Methods: Data from 30 newly diagnosed NSCLC patients in Greece were collected and prospectively recorded.