18FDG PET-CT for detecting gastric cancer recurrence after surgical resection: A meta-analysis

BackgroundWe performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the value of 18FDG PET-CT for the detection of gastric cancer recurrence after surgical resection.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio for 18FDG PET-CT. We also constructed summary receiver operating characteristic curves for 18FDG PET-CT.ResultsEight studies (500 patients) were included. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio of 18FDG PET-CT were 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.71-0.94), 0.88 (95% CI = 0.75-0.94), 17.0 (95% CI = 3.5-14.0), and 0.16 (95% CI = 0.07-0.34), respectively. Overall weighted area under the curve was 0.93 (95% CI = 0.91-0.95).Conclusions18FDG PET-CT has moderate sensitivity and specificity for detection of gastric cancer recurrence after surgical resection.