Impact of use of PET-CT versus conventional staging in patients with locally advanced breast cancer

Patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) typically undergo staging tests at presentation (bone scan, CT of the chest/abdomen and pelvis). A multicenter randomized controlled trial in Canada compared whole-body PET-CT with conventional tests for staging in LABC patients. More than twice as many PET-CT were upstaged to stage IV than conventionally staged patients. Fewer PET-CT patiens received combined modality therapy of curative intent. The authors conclude that the trial demonstrates the utility of PET-CT staging.