Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and SPECT/low-dose computerized tomography did not increase sensitivity or specificity compared to planar bone scintigraphy for detection of bone metastases in advanced breast cancer.

CONCLUSION: WBS, SPECT and SPECT/ldCT were less sensitive than MRI and equally specific for the detection of bone metastases in patients with advanced breast cancer. Based on our findings, we suggest that initial staging include WBS, MRI of the spine and CT for soft tissue evaluation. Further studies may clarify the potential benefits of whole-body MRI and 18F-NaF PET/CT or 18F-FDG PET/CT.
PMID: 25257661 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Clinical Breast Cancer - September 26, 2014 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Haraldsen A, Bluhme H, Røhl L, Pedersen EM, Jensen AB, Hansen EB, Nellemann H, Rasmussen F, Morsing A Tags: Clin Physiol Funct Imaging Source Type: research