18F-FDG-PET/CT can be used to predict distant metastasis in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) has a high rate of distant metastasis, resulting in poor prognosis. The role of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), which was assessed via pretreatment 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), and computed tomography (CT) was examined, for predicting distant metastasis and survival.

Methods: This study included 121 patients who underwent pretreatment FDG-PET/CT scanning and subsequent treatment for HPSCC.