Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan can be used to predict local recurrence in lung cancer in patients treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA), according to a study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

The five-year study followed 68 patients with 94 pulmonary lesions, including metastases and primary lung cancers.

By evaluating the 18F-FDG PET/CT scans conducted before and after RFA, researchers were able to identify several indicators that could help predict local recurrence.

According to researchers, information analysed from the pre- and post-PET/CT scans can increase the accuracy of recurrence detection, allow earlier diagnosis, and can lead to improved patient outcomes.

RFA uses localised thermal energy to destroy the cancer cells, and is an alternative for patients who are unable to undergo surgery or other therapies to treat lung cancer.