On analytical methods in neuroblastoma detection (Q2015380)

Summary: Nonlinear dynamics of cancer recurrence are known to be governed by several factors as initial tumour size, number of metastatic sites, or quantity of drug resistant cells. The precise extent and location of tumours are very important factors so quantitative and consistent methods of evaluation are needed to assess reponse to patient therapy. Whole-body \(^{123}I\)-metaiodobenzylguanidine (mIBG) scintigraphy is used as primary medical image modality to detect neuroblastoma tumours due to its high specificity and sensitivity. However, current oncological guidelines are based on qualitative observer-dependent analysis. This fact makes it difficult to compare results of scintigraphies taken at different moments during therapy or at different institutions. We review analytical methods used in neuroblastoma detection and propose an observer-independent method to quantitatively analyse a \(^{123}I\)-mIBG scintigraphy.