Application of 18F-FDG PET/MRI for Initial Staging in Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

"This single-center prospective observational study targets patients pathologically diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and clinically staged as cT3-4/N2-N3. Participants will first undergo standard whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT, followed by localized 18F-FDG PET/MRI of the head and neck within 4 hours. Both imaging procedures will be performed according to standard clinical protocols to ensure data consistency and comparability.~PET/MRI data will be independently interpreted by an experienced nuclear medicine physician and a radiologist. The sensitivity, specificity, and staging accuracy for detecting distant metastases will be analyzed. In cases of disagreement, a third physician will mediate to reach a consensus.~The study team will also record the operational time, direct costs, and potential issues encountered during the examination process for both imaging modalities. All participants will be followed for at least one year to validate imaging results and assess correlation"