Overview and recent advances in PET/CT imaging in lymphoma and multiple myeloma

Eur J Radiol. 2021 Aug:141:109793. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.109793. Epub 2021 May 27.

Abstract

Imaging in hematological diseases has evolved extensively over the past several decades. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with of 2-[18 F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose ([18 F] FDG) is currently essential for accurate staging and for early and late therapy response assessment for all FDG-avid lymphoproliferative histologies. The widely adopted visual Deauville 5-point scale and Lugano Classification recommendations have recently standardized PET scans interpretation and improved lymphoma patient management. In addition [18 F] FDG-PET is routinely recommended for initial evaluation and treatment response assessment of Multiple Myeloma (MM) with significant contribution in risk-stratification and prognostication, although magnetic resonance imaging remains the Gold Standard for the assessment of bone marrow involvement. In this review, an overview of the role of [18 F] FDG-PET, in hematological malignancies is provided, particularly focusing on Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), both in adult and pediatric populations, and MM, at each point of patient management. Potential alternative molecular imaging applications in this field, such as non-[18 F] FDG-tracers, whole body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI), hybrid PET/MRI and emerging radiomics research are briefly presented.

Keywords: Hematologic malignancies; Lymphoma; Multiple myeloma; Response; Staging; [18F] FDG PET/CT.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Multiple Myeloma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Whole Body Imaging

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18