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18 FDG positron emission tomography versus 67 Ga scintigraphy as prognostic test during chemotherapy for non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma
Author(s) -
Zijlstra Josée M.,
Hoekstra Otto S.,
Raijmakers Pieter G. H. M.,
Comans Emile F. I.,
Van Der Hoeven Jacobus J.M.,
Teule Gerrit J. J.,
Jonkhoff A. Roelof,
V Tinteren Harm,
Lammertsma Adriaan A.,
Huijgens Peter C.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2003.04617.x
Subject(s) - medicine , positron emission tomography , nuclear medicine , vincristine , lymphoma , prednisone , chemotherapy , scintigraphy , cyclophosphamide , fluorodeoxyglucose , aggressive lymphoma , rituximab
Summary. A prospective study was performed, comparing gallium scintigraphy ( 67 Ga) and positron emission tomography (PET) using fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18 FDG), to monitor the response of aggressive non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma during treatment. 67 Ga and 18 FDG scans were performed in 26 patients after two cycles of CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) therapy. The scans were reviewed independently by four experienced nuclear physicians, who were blinded for the alternative scan technique and follow‐up. Eleven out of 26 patients remained free from progression with a mean follow up of 25 ± 5 months, whereas 14 patients relapsed, and one died of lung cancer. Interobserver variation was significantly greater for 67 Ga than for 18 FDG PET. Some 64% of patients who had a negative early restaging 18 FDG PET remained free from progression versus 50% of patients with negative 67 Ga scans. Only 25% of patients with a positive PET remained disease free versus 42% of 67 Ga‐positive patients. Time to progression was associated with 18 FDG PET results, but not with those by 67 Ga. 18 FDG PET had better test characteristics than 67 Ga for the evaluation of early response in aggressive non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma patients.