Clinical utility of PET/CT in lymphoma

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2010 Jan;194(1):W91-W103. doi: 10.2214/AJR.09.2637.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this review is to assist interpreting radiologists in becoming familiar with the role of PET/CT in baseline staging and therapeutic response assessment in the management of lymphoma, in becoming aware of imaging pitfalls, and in understanding the natural behavior of lymphoma and the therapeutic options.

Conclusion: Therapeutic strategies for the management of lymphoma are constantly being refined to improve long-term survival with the lowest risk of toxicity to the patient. PET/CT is accurate for baseline staging and yields important prognostic information for determining the most appropriate initial treatment. Used for evaluation of treatment response, PET/CT can depict residual viable malignant lesions with greater accuracy than can other imaging techniques. The findings thereby influence decisions about the need for additional or alternative treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Contrast Media
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lymphoma / pathology
  • Lymphoma / therapy
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed / methods*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Radiopharmaceuticals