The utility and limitations of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography in patients with primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma: single institution experience and literature review

Chan Yoon Cheah, Michael S Hofman, John Francis Seymour, David S Ritchie, Michael J Dickinson, Andrew Wirth, Henry Miles Prince, Max Wolf, Elchanan Henry Januszewicz, Dennis A Carney, Kirsten E Herbert, Simon James Harrison, Kate L Burbury, Constantine S Tam

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

There are limited data regarding the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (FDG PET-CT) scanning in primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBL). We analyzed 28 patients with PMBL treated with chemotherapy, of whom 25 (89 ) also received rituximab and 17 (61 ) radiotherapy. PET-CT scans were interpreted using visual analysis and a 5-point scale. After a median follow-up of 2.6 years, four patients relapsed and two died. The 2-year progression-free survival and overall survival were 86 and 94 . PET-CT has excellent negative predictive value (interim, 86-87 ; end of treatment, 95 ) but limited positive predictive value due to the high frequency of positive scans. Several patients with persistent metabolically active masses underwent biopsies, which showed necrosis but no lymphoma. Thus a negative PET-CT is an excellent predictor of subsequent outcome. However, residual metabolically active masses after treatment should be biopsied to confirm viable lymphoma prior to salvage therapy.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)49 - 56
Number of pages8
JournalLeukemia and Lymphoma
Volume56
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Cite this