Assessment of therapeutic response of lymphoma patients by PET/CT

Abstract

Abstract Background Lymphoma compromises а histologically heterogeneous group of cancers derived from the cells of the immune system. The hallmark of the disease is the enlargement and proliferation of lymph nodes or secondary lymphoid tissues. Aim of the Work to evaluate the role of Positron emission tomography in the assessment of response to therapy in lymphoma patients: in particular, a five-point scale (Deauville criteria), which can be employed for early- and late-therapeutic response assessment. Patients and Methods This cross sectional study was conducted on 20 Patients with different types of lymphoma recruited and enrolled from Ain Shams university hospital. Results PET/CT and Contrast enhanced computed tomography were concurrent in results in 55% of cases during treatment and 75 % at the end of treatment with CT sensitivity of 61.1%, specificity of 92.2% and accuracy of 76.2% during treatment in comparison to 100 % sensitivity and specificity of PET/CT.While sensitivity of CT at end of treatment is 57.5% with specificity of 86.7% and accuracy of 71.6%. Conclusion PET/СT using 2-deoxy-2[18F]fluoro-D-glucose is considered one of the best oncologic imaging modality at the time being with valuable applications in lymphoma.It is very efficient with least possible pitfalls and false results compared to either of its components alone and to side by side reading of separately acquired PET and СT. It is becoming а standard modality for lymphoma providing а new vision to management and treatment plan.