recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) info and PET scan levels

afradman
afradman Member Posts: 1
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hello

My mom 68 years old, was diagonosed with Nasopharyngeal Cancer back in April 2012.

It was biopsied as keratinized squamous cell carcinoma. Stage 2b, no mets, no lymph node involvement. PET diagnosis was NPC with a FDG sugar uptake level of 3.5

She underwent 7 weeks of IMRT radiation (35 treatments) in conjunction with 12 weeks of weekly chemotherapy infusion: taxol and cisplatin. Her treatments were completed end of September 2012.

The first PET scan after completion of treatments was December 2012---NED (no evidence of disease). PET level

was 2.7

Her latets PET scan which is 6 months after completion of treatment was March 2012. PET level was 5.4, radiologist read it as malignant.

Chemo doc wants to ENT to do a biopsy before starting chemo. ENT will also consult with radiologist to review films. Then chemo doc will decide if we need chemo or just wait and see.

Does anyone know if 6 months after treatment, if PET levels are still elevated this high (5.4) due to inflammation alone. And if we are looking at a false positive? Chemo doc didn't want to start chemo ASAP without doing a biopsy first. Radiation is not an option since she has reached her max dose the first round.

I am waiting for an appointment with ENT to see if it's even possible to do another biopsy. Her first biopsy was done with a scope down the nostril and into nasopharynx and visible tumor was seen and biopsied at this time. She has had several scopes every couple of months after treatment and there has been no visible tumor with the scope down the nostril.

Can anyone recommend any chemo regimens that they have had success with for reccurrent NPC?

Has anyone tried Erbitux for NPC?

I appreciate any help and info you can give me.

My thoughts and prayers for all of those with cancer and their families.

Thank you

 

 

 

 

Comments

  • D Lewis
    D Lewis Member Posts: 1,581 Member
    #2
    So sorry to hear of your Mom's issues

    I'm not going to use the "c" word till you have absolute proof.  It ain't cancer till someone proves that it is cancer.  You are asking all the right questions about treatment options, and these questions are best left to your doctors, because they will have the best understanding of the situation.  If your Mom is not currently being treated at a regional cancer center, or a major research hospital, it may be worth seeking one out for a second opinion.  Here's hoping this is just a minor bump in the road to recovery.  

    Deb

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #3
    I'm like Deb is on this....

    it ain't cancer till somebody in the know says it's cancer.....therefore the biopsy to prove it.  I also wouldn't be so sure that it cannot be radiated again, if it turns out to be a reoccurance....other people on here have certainly been radiated more than one time.

    Until you know something for sure....try to keep this in the "one step at a time....one day at a time" mode....wishing your mom the very best news.....a side effect of her past radiation!

    p

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