A single institution's experience with the value of FDG-PET-CT imaging in patients with newly diagnosed stage IIB-IIIB breast cancer.

123 Background: The Cleveland Clinic is utilizing disease specific teams to craft care paths for value based disease management. The report by Groheux (JNCI 2012; 104:1879-1887), reported (18) FDG-PET-CT detected distant metastasis in 10.7, 17.5 and 36.5% of stage IIB- IIIB breast cancer patients. Based on this report, the breast team incorporated (18) FDG-PET- CT imaging for initial staging of IIB-IIIB patients.

METHODS: Treatment algorithms were developed by a multi-disciplinary breast cancer team. The content was reviewed by stakeholders throughout the health system, and feedback was incorporated into the care paths as appropriate. Content was communicated using physician meetings, electronic communication, tumor boards, and operational pilots. The treatment algorithm, along with the supporting narrative, was placed on the cancer center intranet, accessible to all practicing physicians. Additional intranet analysis was performed using Google Analytics, which identifies the site location and frequency of document downloads. We retrospectively examined the impact of this posting after one year (7/2014-7/2015). Manual chart review identified new patient consults for Stage IIB-IIIB breast cancer at our main campus and highest volume regional sites.

RESULTS: PET scans were ordered in 36 stage IIB, 19 stage IIIA, and 3 stage IIIB patients. Of the 36 IIB patients scanned, occult metastatic disease was noted in 1, and 2 patients migrated to IIIA without a change in treatment. 19 IIIA patients had no change in stage, although an asymptomatic second primary lung cancer was discovered in 1 .Three stage IIIB patients were without staging change.

CONCLUSIONS: PET/CT imaging did not contribute to patient management for stage IIB-IIIB breast cancer patients at our institution, unlike the results reported elsewhere. Analysis of care path metrics allows us to expediently review and adjust recommendations to affiliated physicians.