Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma involving osseous sites: utility of response assessment by PET/CT and good longterm outcomes

Haematologica. 2024 Jan 1;109(1):200-208. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2022.282643.

Abstract

Osseous involvement by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL-bone) is a heterogeneous disease. There is limited data regarding response assessment by positron emission tomography with fluorodeoxyglucose, which may demonstrate residual avidity despite a complete response. We analyzed clinical data of patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL and identified all cases with DLBCL-bone. End of treatment scans were reviewed by two independent experts classifying osseous lesions into Deauville (DV) ≤3; DV ≥4, or reactive uptake in the bone marrow (M), site of fracture (F) or surgery (S). We compared outcomes of DLBCL-bone to other extranodal sites (EN) matched on International Prognotic Index features and regimen. Of 1,860 patients with DLBCL (bone 16%; EN 45%; nodal 39%), 41% had localized disease and 59% advanced. Only 9% (n=27) of patients with initial bone involvement had residual fluorodeoxyglucose avidity at the osseous site. In half of these cases, the uptake was attributed to F/S/M, and of the remaining 13, only two were truly refractory (both with persistent disease at other sites). Overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) were found to be similar for early- stage nodal DLBCL and DLBCL-bone, but inferior in EN-DLBCL. Advanced-stage disease involving the bone had a similar 5-year PFS to nodal disease and EN-DLBCL. After matching for International Prognotic Index and treatment regiments, PFS between bone and other EN sites was similar. Osseous involvement in DLBCL does not portend a worse prognosis. End of treatment DV ≥4 can be expected in 5-10% of cases, but in the absence of other signs of refractory disease, may be followed expectantly.

MeSH terms

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse* / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse* / therapy
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography* / methods
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18