Selective contrast‐enhanced computed tomography is appropriate in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma therapy response assessment. (11th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kriegsmann, Katharina; Wack, Maurizio; Kriegsmann, Mark; Cremer, Martin; Bruckner, Thomas; Ho, Anthony D.; Wuchter, Patrick; Witzens‐Harig, Mathias
• Is Part Of: European journal of haematology. Volume 101:Number 5(2018)
• Page Start: 613
• Page End: 619
• Publication Date: 2018-09-11
• Subjects: computed tomography -- DLBCL -- end staging -- interim staging; Hematology -- Periodicals; Blood -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Blood -- Periodicals; 616.15005
• DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13150
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0902-4441

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Although not the gold standard, contrast‐enhanced CT of neck, thorax, and abdomen/pelvis is routinely performed in diagnosis and response assessment of DLBCL. PD during first‐line treatment is a relatively rare event. The question arises if the imaging of initially involved regions only might be sufficient for response evaluation. Method: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 167 DLBCL patients who had an extensive contrast‐enhanced CT scan at first diagnosis. The majority of patients (n = 128, 77%) was treated with R‐CHOP. Therapy response was assessed as interim and end of treatment staging by contrast‐enhanced CT. Results: The overall response rate at the end of treatment was 94%. None of the patients showed involvement of new sites at interim staging. As a major finding, none of the patients showed an involvement of sites, which were not initially involved. Four patients developed PD during first‐line chemotherapy/after mid‐treatment staging and 31 relapsed. A conclusive comparison between initial and PD/relapse DLBCL involvement was possible in 27 patients: 8 patients did and 19 patients did not show additional/new sites of involvement compared to first diagnosis. Conclusion: Our retrospective analysis provides a rationale for selective imaging of initially involved DLBCL sites for therapy response assessment.