FDG-PET/CT in re-staging of patients with non Hodgkin lymphoma and monitory response to therapy in Egypt

Aim

Assessment of the clinical benefit of 18F]-FDG PET/CT examinations in restaging of patients with non Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in Egypt.

Patients, methods

This study was performed on 45 patients with NHL. PET-CT and CECT were analyzed after end of chemotherapy regimen, using 12?months follow-up as standard of reference.

Results

Follow-up of patients with NHL after 12?months of treatment revealed significant differences between staging by CT versus PET/CT (P?=?0.0001). Disease was upstaged by PET/CT in 36% (mostly in stages I and II) and downstaged in only 2% of patients. Agreement between PET-CT & CECT were usually in stage III and IV. Evaluation showed a sensitivity of 77% for CT alone, 95% for FDG-PET-CT.

Conclusion

FDG PET-CT significantly improved sensitivity and specificity in restaging of NHL and therefore should be used routinely in follow up of patients with lymphoma.