Role of positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/ CT) using 18F-fluorodesoxyglucose (18F-FDG) in the initial staging of non-small cell lung cancers, firstexperience of the Tunisian center

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Published Jul 12, 2026
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v104i07.5513
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Vol. 104 No. 07 (2026): Tunis Med Jul 2026

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Kalthoum Ayed
Department of Nuclear Medicine, LR12Es02, Sahloul Hospital, Sousse, Faculty of Medicine, Sousse, University of Sousse, Tunisia
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1028-6683
Abir Ezzine
Department of Nuclear Medicine, LR12Es02, Sahloul Hospital, Sousse, Faculty of Medicine, Sousse, University of Sousse, Tunisia
Sihem Mensi
Department of Nuclear Medicine, LR12Es02, Sahloul Hospital, Sousse, Faculty of Medicine, Sousse, University of Sousse, Tunisia
Imen Gargouri
Department of Respiratory and Allergy Medicine, Farhat Hached Hospital, Sousse, Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Tunisia
Jihan Sahli
Department of Epidemiology, Farhat Hached Hospital, Sousse, Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Tunisia
Maha Ben Fredj
Department of Nuclear Medicine, LR12Es02, Sahloul Hospital, Sousse, Faculty of Medicine, Sousse, University of Sousse, Tunisia
Kaouthar Chatti
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Sahloul Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Sousse, Tunisia

Abstract

Introduction: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Tunisia. Addressing this significant public health issue requires precise initial staging of the disease to ensure appropriate management.
Objective: Focusing on the Tunisian context where 18F-FDG PET/CT has been in use since late 2019, this study aims to evaluate the impact of this technique on the initial staging and consequent therapeutic strategy for non-small cell lung cancer
Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study conducted at the Nuclear Medicine Department of CHU Sahloul in Sousse from January 2020 to January 2023, involving 61 patients who underwent 18F-FDG PET-CT for initial staging of NSCLC.
Results: The study found that PET-CT modified the T stage in only 18% of patients, while it altered the N stage in 54.1% and the M stage in 45.9% of cases. This resulted in a change in disease stage for 40 patients (65.6%) and adjusted therapeutic management for 27 patients.
Conclusion: 18F-FDG PET-CT provides more accurate staging compared to conventional imaging, particularly for lymph node and distant metastatic assessment in NSCLC patients. This leads to changes in treatment strategies, resulting in more appropriate management.

Keywords:

PET scan, Staging, Non-small cell lung cancer, Initial assessment, Therapeutic management

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