Interest of textural analysis and standard parameters on 18F-FET PET-CT to differentiate low and high-grades gliomas

Objectives The determination of tumor heterogeneity by new non-invasive tool as textural analysis has recently gained attention. The aim of this study was to assess the potential interest of textural analysis and standard parameters on 18F-FET PET-CT to differentiate low and high-grades gliomas (LGG and HGG). Methods Nine patients (6 HGG and 3 LGG), who performed 18F-FET PET-CT in Brest university hospital, were retrospectively analyzed on summed 20–40 min images post-injection. Tumor regions of interest (ROIs) were defined according to PETedge method on MIM software. Standard parameters (SUVmax and SUVpeak) and 6 textural parameters (homogeneity, entropy, short run emphasis [SRE], long run emphasis [LRE], low grey-level zone emphasis [LGZE], high grey-level zone emphasis [HGZE]) were evaluated using LIFEx soft ® and compared between the 2 groups of gliomas. Student test was applied to assess potential difference between LGG and HGG. Results The average of volumes of interest (VOIs) of LGG and HGG were respectively 24.94 ± 20.56 mL and 59.66 ± 23.79 mL. LGZE was the only textural parameter, which presents a trend to be meaningful ( P  = 0.161). Mean LGZE ± SD were respectively for LGG and HGG 0.089 ± 0.083 and 0.034 ± 0.026. Others parameters were not significant. The figure illustrated the previous data. Conclusion In this preliminary study, textural analysis did not provide any significant result to discriminate the 2 types of gliomas. LGZE was the only parameter, which could be relevant. Although the method should be further investigated in a larger prospective study to confirm these data.