Lymphoma evaluated postoperatively by value of FDG triple-head coincidence PET

07-12-2006

Lymphoma could be evaluated postoperatively by the value of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) triple-head coincidence PET.

"We performed a single-center study comprised of 31 consecutive patients with lymphoma within 3 months after completion of conventional initial therapy or after salvage therapy with high-dose chemotherapy. PET studies were performed by using FDG and a hybrid PET camera with triple-head coincidence imaging capability," scientists in Croatia reported.

"The long-term follow-up data (at least 12 months, median 20 months) were extracted from the patients' medical files. Fifteen patients were FDG-negative, 12 were positive, and in 4 patients, only slightly increased FDG uptake was observed (equivocal findings, 2 relapsed)," explained D. Huic and colleagues, Zagreb University Hospital.

The researchers concluded, "Besides all shortcomings of coincidence PET, we found this hybrid PET methodology good enough for reliable prognosis in follow up of our patients, especially in those without pathologic FDG uptake."

Huic and colleagues published their study in Clinical Nuclear Medicine (The value of F-18FDG triple-head coincidence PET in the posttreatment evaluation of patients with lymphoma. Clin Nucl Med, 2006;31(5):275-278).

For additional information, contact D. Huic, Zagreb University Hospital, Dept. Nuclear Med, Kispaticeva 12, Zagreb 10000, Croatia.

The publisher's contact information for the journal Clinical Nuclear Medicine is: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA.

Keywords: Zagreb, Croatia, Chemotherapy, Coincidence, FDG, Follow Up, Hodgkin Disease, Non Hodgkin Lymphoma, Oncology, PET, Prognosis, Therapy Monitoring, Fluorine 18 Fluorodeoxyglucose.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.