Benjamin Kläsner, Niels Buchmann, Jens Gempt, Florian Ringel, Constantin Lapa, Bernd Joachim Krause

• Background The precise definition of the post-operative resection status in high-grade gliomas (HGG) is crucial for further management. We aimed to assess the feasibility of assessment of the resection status with early post-operative positron emission tomography (PET) using [\(^{18}\)F]O-(2-[\(^{18}\)F]-fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine ([\(^{18}\)F]FET). Methods 25 patients with the suspicion of primary HGG were enrolled. All patients underwent preoperative [\(^{18}\)F]FET-PET and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Intra-operatively, resection statusBackground The precise definition of the post-operative resection status in high-grade gliomas (HGG) is crucial for further management. We aimed to assess the feasibility of assessment of the resection status with early post-operative positron emission tomography (PET) using [\(^{18}\)F]O-(2-[\(^{18}\)F]-fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine ([\(^{18}\)F]FET). Methods 25 patients with the suspicion of primary HGG were enrolled. All patients underwent preoperative [\(^{18}\)F]FET-PET and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Intra-operatively, resection status was assessed using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). Imaging was repeated within 72h after neurosurgery. Post-operative [\(^{18}\)F]FET-PET was compared with MRI, intra-operative assessment and clinical follow-up. Results [\(^{18}\)F]FET-PET, MRI and intra-operative assessment consistently revealed complete resection in 12/25 (48%) patients and incomplete resection in 6/25 cases (24%). In 7 patients, PET revealed discordant findings. One patient was re-resected. 3/7 experienced tumor recurrence, 3/7 died shortly after brain surgery. Conclusion Early assessment of the resection status in HGG with [\(^{18}\)F]FET-PET seems to be feasible.…