Optimization of 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging to Assess Treatment Response and Prognosis in High-Metabolism Lymphoma

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are working to develop a new way to evaluate how patients with high-metabolic lymphoma respond to treatment by using PET/CT imaging data. This method compares results from PET scans taken at the end of treatment with those taken partway through treatment, aiming to improve upon the existing Lugano classification criteria. The goal is to provide doctors with more accurate tools to assess treatment response and predict patient outcomes. The study uses a retrospective cohort design involving 4,000 patients with high-metabolic lymphoma who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT scans before, during, and after treatment at multiple hospitals in China. Researchers manually outlined lymphoma lesions on the scans and used software to calculate key imaging parameters such as SUVmax, metabolic tumor volume, and total lesion glycolysis. Clinical data including age, gender, LDH levels, symptoms, lymphoma subtype, and treatment details were also collected. Participants' end-of-treatment PET/CT scans were evaluated both against baseline scans using the Lugano criteria and against interim scans to form a new response evaluation. The two methods were compared to identify any differences in treatment response assessments, and whether treatment plans changed based on the new evaluation. The study measures how well the new method predicts outcomes and aids in treatment decisions, with all assessments based on imaging and clinical data collected throughout the treatment period.

Optimization of 18F-FDG PET/CT Response Assessment and Prognostic Evaluation Strategies for High-Metabolism Lymphoma