Methylprednisolone Before Fludeoxyglucose-Labeled Positron Emission Tomography in Patients With Lung Cancer

FDG PET/CT: Reducing False Positive Mediastinal Uptake by Premedicating With Methylprednisolone

The purpose of this study is to determine whether giving an anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroid) prior to a positron emission tomography scan (PET) scan may reduce or eliminate false findings related to inflammation

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To assess whether premedication with a corticosteroid may reduce false positive findings on fluorodeoxyglucose (fludeoxyglucose F 18 [FDG[) PET/computed tomography (CT) scans in lung cancer patients, by reducing radiotracer uptake in thoracic lymph nodes related to inflammation.

OUTLINE:

Within 1-14 days of undergoing standard FDG PET/CT scan, patients receive methylprednisolone intravenously (IV) and then undergo a second FDG PET/CT scan.

After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up for 2 years.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient undergoing initial staging of biopsy proven lung cancer (all cancer stages included)
• Undergone clinical FDG PET/CT scan within 14 days of enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prisoners
• Diabetic patients (on insulin, on oral hypoglycemic, or fasting glucose > 180 mg/dl)
• Serious infection within 14 days of enrollment
• Known hypersensitivity to methylprednisolone
• Viral skin lesions
• Immunocompromised ANC(absolute neutrophil count < 1000/microliter)
• Pregnant/nursing
• History of tuberculosis or systemic fungal disease
• History of steroid psychosis
• Current peptic ulcer disease or diverticulitis
• Corticosteroid use within 14 days of enrollment (including inhaled steroids)