PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether PET scans after radiotherapy (RT), visually interpreted as equivocal regarding metabolic neck node response can be used to accurately categorize @entity1 as responders or nonresponders using a Likert scale and/or maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax). Other aims were to determine the performance of different methods for assessing post-RT PET scans ( @entity227 , a Likert scale and SUVmax) and to establish whether any method is superior in predicting regional control (RC) and overall survival (OS). METHODS: In 105 @entity1 with neck node-positive @entity135 , the neck node response was evaluated by FDG PET/CT 6  weeks after RT. The scans were clinically assessed by @entity227 and, for the purposes of this analysis, re-evaluated using the Deauville criteria, a five-point Likert scale previously used in lymphoma studies. In addition, SUVmax was determined. RESULTS: All assessment methods were able to significantly predict RC but not OS. The methods were also able to significantly predict remission of @entity5 after completion of RT. Of the 105 PET scans, 19 were judged as equivocal on @entity227 . The Likert scale was preferable to SUVmax for grouping @entity1 as responders or nonresponders. CONCLUSION: All methods ( @entity227 , SUVmax and the Likert scale) identified responders and nonresponders and predicted RC. A Likert scale is a promising tool to reduce to a minimum the problem of PET scans judged as equivocal. Consensus regarding qualitative assessment would facilitate PET reporting in clinical practice.

Qualitative interpretation of PET scans using a Likert scale to assess neck node response to radiotherapy in XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity135 :: ('MESH:D006258', 'Disease') :: ['head and neck cancer'] @entity227 :: ('MESH:D014786', 'Disease') :: ['visual inspection'] @entity5 :: ('MESH:D009369', 'Disease') :: ['tumour']
@entity135 :: (MESH:D006258,Disease) :: ['head and neck cancer']
