Application of 18F-FDG PET/MRI for Initial Staging in Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

This single-center prospective observational study aims to evaluate the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and clinical value of positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) for initial staging in patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). It will compare the diagnostic performance of PET/MRI, including sensitivity, specificity, and staging accuracy, with traditional staging methods such as positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is prevalent in Southeast Asia and North Africa, with approximately 5% of newly diagnosed cases presenting with distant metastases. For patients with N2-3 disease and elevated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA levels, the risk of distant metastasis can reach 27.5%. Accurate detection of distant metastases at diagnosis is crucial for staging and treatment planning. Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT for staging in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma, as traditional tools (e.g., chest CT, abdominal ultrasound, bone scans) may yield false-negative results. PET/MRI, as a novel imaging technique, offers potential advantages such as improved diagnostic accuracy, shorter scan times, and reduced false-positive rates. However, its clinical application is limited by high costs and equipment availability. This study will explore the clinical value and economic feasibility of PET/MRI in nasopharyngeal carcinoma staging, aiming to establish its potential role in improving diagnostic pathways.

NCT Number	NCT06947759
Lead Sponsor	Taichung Veterans General Hospital
Conditions	Nuclear Medicine, Oncology
Enrollment	20 participants
Start Date	2025-04-30
Primary Completion	2026-03-31 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-04-30 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-04-27