Fludeoxyglucose F 18-PET Imaging for Early Detection of Residual Disease in Patients Undergoing Radiofrequency Ablation of Liver Metastases From Colorectal Cancer

Detection of Residual Colorectal Liver Metastases Within 24 Hours After RFA With 18-F FDG PET

RATIONALE: Diagnostic procedures, such as fludeoxyglucose F 18-PET imaging, may be effective in detecting residual disease after radiofrequency ablation of liver metastases in patients with colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: This clinical trial is studying fludeoxyglucose F 18-PET imaging to see how well it works for early detection of residual disease in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation of liver metastases from colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVES:

Primary

• Determine the sensitivity and specificity of fludeoxyglucose F 18 (FDG)-PET imaging in detecting residual disease within 48 hours after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver metastases in patients with colorectal cancer.

Secondary

• Determine the findings on day 7 after RFA using FDG-PET imaging in these patients.

OUTLINE: This is a prospective study.

Patients undergo fludeoxyglucose F 18 (FDG)-PET imaging at baseline. They then undergo percutaneous laparoscopic or intraoperative radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Patients then undergo further FDG-PET scans within 48 hours and 7 days after RFA. FDG-PET images are evaluated for residual disease, including focal FDG uptake at the site of ablation. Beginning 1 month after RFA, patients undergo contrast-enhanced MRI for routine post-ablation follow-up. MRI scans are performed at 1, 4, 7, 12, 18, and 24 months after completion of RFA.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Diagnosis of colorectal cancer

  • Disease metastatic to the liver

• Undergoing percutaneous, intraoperative or laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation for liver metastases at the University of North Carolina Gastrointestinal Oncology Clinic

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

• Not pregnant

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

• See Disease Characteristics
• No chemotherapy within 7 days after RFA on study