CaroleHammett

Linda:
SUV is the abbreviation for "standardized uptake value," which is based on the amount of metabolic activity resulting from the pre-scan injection of irradiated sugar.
My first PET scan in 01/07 showed my 5 cm. tumor had an SUV of 14.4, which was described by radiologist as "intense" hypermetabolic activity.
I afterward underwent concurrent radiation and chemotherapy and by the summer of '07 the tumor had shrunk to 2 cm. By 12/07, however, it had begun to grow again and my second PET scan in 01/08 showed the tumor had an SUV of 9.7, which was descirbed as "homogeneous intense."
My third PET scan, on 04/29/08 stated that the tumor "remains very hypermetabolic" with a maximum SUV of 13.7.
My fourth and last PET scan, on 07/24/08, showed that the SUV remained at 13.7. This scan also measured SUV (much lower #s) for various lymph nodes as well as new nodules in both lungs (also low #s) and "a new markedly hypermetabolic hypodensity in the medial left lobe of the liver measuring approximately 9 mm in diameter with a maximal standardized uptake value of 10.9."
It is my understanding that the higher the SUV, the more aggressive the cancer. In my case, my NSCLC is squamous cell (rather than adenocarcinoma, etc.), which is usually slower growing, but mine, unfortunately, is "poorly differentiated" (a grade 3 tumor), which makes it more aggressive regardless of type.
Sorry I can't be of more help, but I think the SUV numbers have to be looked at in conjunction with the sub-type of lung cancer, the grade of the tumor, etc.
I hope all goes well with your Mom and her treatement.
Affectionately,
Carole