At SHFJ, Wanxin Dong explored PET-MRI imaging to improve the diagnosis of head and neck cancers.
Wanxin Dong, chercheur·e au sein de SHFJ (Université Paris-Saclay).
Thèse soutenue en 2024 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Cancérologie : biologie-médecine-santé (Villejuif, Val-de-Marne ; 2015-....).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Wanxin Dong's thesis, titled "Multiparametric PET-FDG/MRI Imaging in Head and Neck Oncology," addresses a highly relevant topic: the diagnosis of cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract, primarily squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). In 2022, nearly one million new cases of head and neck cancers were recorded worldwide, with an alarming death toll exceeding 500,000. This situation underscores the urgency of improving diagnostic methods for these cancers, which represent a major challenge in oncology, particularly in West Africa where access to care and advanced technologies is often limited.
The main innovation of this research lies in the combined use of positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This approach allows for precise information on tumor metabolism and tissue anatomy, thus providing a more comprehensive view of the disease. For example, PET-FDG visualizes the metabolic activity of cancer cells, while MRI provides crucial anatomical details for the stage of the disease. However, the thesis highlights issues of variability in pharmacokinetic parameters (PKP) and their lack of correlation with standard uptake value (SUV) values. These challenges make it difficult to establish a reliable multiparametric signature for the diagnosis of HNSCC, which could have disastrous consequences for patient management.
The recommendations made by Wanxin Dong include the need for a multicenter study to validate the use of the PKP value ratio. Such a study could standardize imaging protocols and improve the reliability of diagnoses across different institutions. Additionally, exploring texture analysis and the processing of dynamic PET images could enrich diagnostic outcomes. These advancements could not only improve diagnostic accuracy but also have a significant impact on patient prognosis. Indeed, early and accurate diagnosis is essential to increase survival chances and reduce treatment-related complications.
It is imperative that decision-makers consider these recommendations to develop more effective diagnostic protocols. Research in medical imaging must be supported by investments and collaborations between institutions, both nationally and internationally, to address the rising cases of head and neck cancers. For example, partnerships between universities, hospitals, and technology companies could promote the development of new imaging methods tailored to the specific needs of local populations.
In summary, this thesis paves the way for potential advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers, but requires a collective commitment to transform these recommendations into concrete actions. The implications of this research extend beyond academic boundaries; they directly affect the lives of patients and the quality of care they receive. By improving diagnostic methods, we have the opportunity to change the course of the disease and bring tangible hope to the millions affected by these cancers worldwide, particularly in West Africa, where challenges are numerous but the hope for a better future remains.
Données clés
- 946,456 : nouveaux cas de cancers ORL recensés en 2022, soulignant l'ampleur du problème de santé publique.
- 482,001 : décès associés aux cancers ORL en 2022, mettant en évidence l'urgence d'améliorer le diagnostic.
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Sources et accès
Wanxin Dong. Imagerie multiparamétrique TEP- FDG/IRM en cancérologie ORL. Cancer. Université Paris-Saclay, 2024. Français. ⟨NNT : 2024UPASL126⟩. ⟨tel-04942012⟩