FDG-PET predicts response to chemo in Hodgkin's disease

FDG-PET performed after two cycles of standard chemotherapy can accurately predict which patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma will respond or relapse, according to a multicenter international study.

Dr. Andrea Gallamini and colleagues in Italy and Denmark enrolled 260 advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma patients scheduled to receive six cycles of chemotherapy. Patients underwent F-18 FDG-PET imaging before the first and after the second chemo cycle. Those with positive and negative FDG-PET results at the second chemo cycle recorded a two-year progression-free survival rate of 12.8% and 95%, respectively (J Clin Oncol 2007;25[24]:3746-3752).

The study shows that FDG-PET can be a useful prognostic tool that will help sort patients into appropriate management paths, researchers said.