Prognostic value of negative interim 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose PET/CT in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Evaluating ΔMTV%, ΔDmax%, and %ΔSUVmax of 18F-FDG PET/CT for mid-treatment efficacy and prognosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

PURPOSE

To investigate the value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) imaging in interim therapeutic and prognostic evaluation of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data of 86 patients with pathologically confirmed DLBCL who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging before chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and after interim chemotherapy, were retrospectively analyzed. Receive operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the predictive capacity of changes and change rates in PET/CT imaging parameters [maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and maximum tumor dissemination (Dmax)] for progression-free survival (PFS) and to identify optimal cutoff values. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed, and the log-rank test was used to assess intergroup differences. Cox regression analysis was used to explore potential factors influencing PFS.

RESULTS

Among 86 patients [(45 men, 41 women, age: 57.8 ± 12.2 years)], the median PFS was 22.5 (14.5, 46) months. Until the last follow-up date, progression or recurrence occurred in 14 patients, while 9 patients died. The ROC curves indicated that the optimal cutoff values for predicting PFS were 99.10%, 99.72%, and 96.47% for ΔMTV%, ΔTLG%, and ΔDmax%, respectively (area under the curve = 0.786-0.849, all P < 0.05). Cox univariate analysis demonstrated that the alteration rates in metabolic and diffusion parameters before and after treatment, including SUVmax%, MTV%, TLG%, and Dmax%, were predictive of PFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 6.213-13.430, all P < 0.05). The Cox multivariate analysis demonstrated that ΔMTV% and ΔDmax% independently predicted PFS, with HRs of 10.727 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.928-56.672, P = 0.007) and 7.178 (95%CI = 1.514-34.041, P = 0.013), respectively. We established a new prediction model by combining the ΔMTV% and ΔDmax% parameters, and the results of the model showed statistically significant differences in PFS between the high, intermediate, and low-risk groups. The model predicted higher effects than individual indicators.

CONCLUSION

The rate of change in metabolic and diffusion parameters on interim PET/CT can predict the prognosis of patients with DLBCL.

Predictive value of Dmax and %ΔSUVmax of 18F-FDG PET/CT for the prognosis of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

PURPOSE

To investigate the prognosis value of a combined model based on 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (18F-FDG PET-CT) baseline and interim parameters in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the PET metabolic parameters and clinical data of 154 DLBCL patients between December 2015 and October 2020. All of these patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT scan before treatment and after three or four courses of chemotherapy. The optimal cut-off values for quantitative variables were determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The baseline and interim PET/CT parameters, which respectively included maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax0), total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV0), standardized total metabolic tumor volume (STMTV0), and the distance between the two furthest lesions (Dmax) and total tumor lesion glycolysis (TTLG1), SUVmax1, TMTV1, and the rate of change of SUVmax (%ΔSUVmax), and clinical characteristics were analyzed by chi-squared test, Kaplan-Meier survival curve, and Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 154 patients, 35 exhibited disease progression or recurrence. ROC analysis revealed that baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters, including maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax0), total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV0), standardized total metabolic tumor volume (STMTV0), and the distance between the two furthest lesions (Dmax), along with interim 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters such as total tumor lesion glycolysis (TTLG1), SUVmax1, TMTV1, and the rate of change of SUVmax (%ΔSUVmax), were predictive of relapse or progression in DLBCL patients (P < 0.05). The chi-squared test showed that TMTV0, STMTV0, Dmax, SUVmax1, TMTV1, TTLG1, %ΔSUVmax, Deauville score, IPI, Ann Arbor stage, and LDH were associated with patient prognosis (P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that Dmax (P = 0.021) and %ΔSUVmax (P = 0.030) were independent predictors of prognosis in DLBCL patients. There were statistically significant differences in PFS among the three groups with high, intermediate, and low risk according to the combination model (P < 0.001). The combination model presented higher predictive efficacy than single indicators.

CONCLUSION

The combined model of baseline parameter Dmax and intermediate parameter %ΔSUVmax of 18F-FDG PET/CT improved the predictive efficacy of PFS and contributed to the risk stratification of patients, providing a reference for clinical individualization and precision treatment.

The Role of Interim PET/CT on Survival in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is the most frequent aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Predicting response and estimating prognosis earlier makes management of this heterogeneous lymphoma more satisfying. Interim PET response is established in Hodgkin Lymphoma to tailor the therapy but results for non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is unconvincing. In the current study evaluation of interim PET and survival outcomes of 103 DLBCL patients is performed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

About 103 Patients with DLBCL followed up in a single center between 2009 and 2019 were enrolled the study. All patients received R-CHOP chemoimmunotherapy at first line. Interim PET was performed after at least one or more cycles. All PET scans were performed with ¹⁸F-FDG isotope as PET/CT. PET scoring results were evaluated according to the 5-Point Deauville Scoring system defined in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network clinical guidelines for iPET and eotPET. 5-P DS of scores of 1 to 3 were defined as negative scans, and scores of 4 to 5 were considered to be positive scans.

RESULTS

Forty-six (44.7%) Female and 57 (55.3%) male aged between 25 and 83 (median 57) years newly diagnosed DLBCL patients were enrolled in the study. Median PFS was 21 (interquartile range 8.5-53.7) months and median OS was 33.5 (interquartile range 12.5-62.9) months for the total cohort. Positive predictive value of interim PET according to Deauville scoring system was 65.4% and negative predictive value was 77.9%.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that according to Deauville 5 point scale (D 5PS) scoring system, interim PET-positive patients have shorter both PFS and OS than iPET-negative patients.

Baseline PET/CT imaging parameters for prediction of treatment outcome in Hodgkin and diffuse large B cell lymphoma: a systematic review

Purpose

To systematically review the literature evaluating clinical utility of imaging metrics derived from baseline fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for prediction of progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Methods

A search of MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus and clinicaltrials.gov databases was undertaken for articles evaluating PET/CT imaging metrics as outcome predictors in HL and DLBCL. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool.

Results

Forty-one articles were included (31 DLBCL, 10 HL). Significant predictive ability was reported in 5/20 DLBCL studies assessing SUVmax (PFS: HR 0.13–7.35, OS: HR 0.83–11.23), 17/19 assessing metabolic tumour volume (MTV) (PFS: HR 2.09–11.20, OS: HR 2.40–10.32) and 10/13 assessing total lesion glycolysis (TLG) (PFS: HR 1.078–11.21, OS: HR 2.40–4.82). Significant predictive ability was reported in 1/4 HL studies assessing SUVmax (HR not reported), 6/8 assessing MTV (PFS: HR 1.2–10.71, OS: HR 1.00–13.20) and 2/3 assessing TLG (HR not reported). There are 7/41 studies assessing the use of radiomics (4 DLBCL, 2 HL); 5/41 studies had internal validation and 2/41 included external validation. All studies had overall moderate or high risk of bias.

Conclusion

Most studies are retrospective, underpowered, heterogenous in their methodology and lack external validation of described models. Further work in protocol harmonisation, automated segmentation techniques and optimum performance cut-off is required to develop robust methodologies amenable for clinical utility.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00259-021-05233-2.

Predictive value of baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT and interim treatment response for the prognosis of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma receiving R-CHOP chemotherapy

The present study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of baseline ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters and interim treatment response, and to assess whether the combination of these could improve the predictive efficacy in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) receiving R-CHOP chemotherapy. PET/CT images and clinical data of 64 patients with DLBCL who had undergone ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scan before and after 3 or 4 cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. The quantitative parameters including standardized uptake value (SUV), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and maximum diameter of the maximum lesion (Dmax) were measured on baseline PET/CT images. Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the influence of baseline PET/CT parameters, clinical indicators and interim treatment response on prognosis. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to estimate the predictive efficacy of the combination of baseline PET/CT parameters and interim treatment response. Ann Arbor stage, International Prognostic Index (IPI), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), necrosis, MTVmax, TLGmax, Dmax and interim treatment response showed association with 2-year progression-free survival (PFS, P<0.05). LDH, necrosis, MTVmax, MTVsum, TLGmax, TLGsum, Dmax and interim treatment response showed association with 2-year overall survival (OS, P<0.05). Ann Arbor stage, Dmax and interim treatment response were found to be independent predictors of 2-year PFS (P<0.05), while Dmax and interim treatment response were found to be independent predictors of 2-year OS (P<0.05). The PFS and OS curves of Dmax <5.7 cm group and Dmax ≥5.7 cm group, complete response (CR) group and non-CR group were significantly different, respectively (P<0.05). The baseline ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT parameters and interim treatment response have important prognostic values in DLBCL patients who received R-CHOP chemotherapy. Combined application of Dmax and interim treatment response improved the predictive efficacy of 2-year PFS. It may be helpful to identify patients who are at high-risk of relapse and to guide early clinical intervention of these patients.

Progression Free Survival and Predictor of Recurrence in DLBCL patients with Negative Interim 18FDG PET/CT Using Standardized Imaging and Reporting Protocols

BACKGROUND

To determine progression free survival (PFS) and predictor of recurrence in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with negative interim 18FDG PET/CT (iPET) using standardized imaging and reporting protocols.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study was conducted at PET/CT Section of a JCIA accredited healthcare facility from December 2015 till February 2020. Patients with DLBCL having complete metabolic response (CMR; Deauville score: 1-3) on iPET were selected and followed for a median period of 11 months (4-144 months).  End point response on follow-up PET/CT (either end of treatment or surveillance) was categorized as sustained CMR (sCMR) and disease recurrence. Kaplan Meier survival curve was used to measure PFS and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) was plotted for age, largest lesion size, highest standardized uptake value (SUVmax), disease stage and body mass index (BMI) on baseline scan to find their impact on recurrence.

RESULTS

Total 185 patients with DLBCL who had achieved CMR on iPET with a median age 55 years (19 - 88 yr.) with male predominance (63% male) were selected. On follow-up, 123 (66%) had sCMR while recurrence was found in 34% (p <0.05). No significant difference in demographics was found between two groups. Median PFS time was 34 months (22.8 - 45.1 months). On ROC analysis, only baseline highest SUVmax was found as a significant independent predictor of disease recurrence at a cut off >22.6 (highest area under curve: 0.595; SE 0.046; p <0.05).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that recurrence is found in 34% of DLBCL patients with a negative interim 18FDG PET/CT using standardized imaging and reporting protocols. Despite of early response, these patients need continued intensive follow-up especially those with a baseline SUVmax > 22.6.

Early risk stratification for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma integrating interim Deauville score and International Prognostic Index

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic relevance of early risk stratification in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) using interim Deauville score on positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan and baseline International Prognostic Index (IPI). This retrospective study included 220 patients (median age, 64 years; men, 60%) diagnosed with DLBCL between 2007 and 2016 at our institution, treated with rituximab-based chemotherapy. Interim PET-CT was performed after three cycles of immuno-chemotherapy. Interim Deauville score was assessed as 4 or 5 in 49 patients (22.3%), and 94 patients (42.7%) had high-intermediate or high-risk IPI scores. In multivariate analysis, interim Deauville score (1-3 and 4-5) and baseline IPI (low/low-intermediate and high-intermediate/high) were independently associated with progression-free survival (for Deauville score, hazard ratio [HR], 1.00 vs. 2.96 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.83-4.78], P < 0.001; for IPI, HR, 1.00 vs. 4.84 [95% CI, 2.84-8.24], P < 0.001). We stratified patients into three groups: low-risk (interim Deauville scores 1-3 and low/low-intermediate IPI), intermediate-risk (Deauville scores 1-3 with high-intermediate/high IPI or Deauville scores 4-5 with low/low-intermediate IPI), and high-risk (Deauville scores 4-5 and high-intermediate/high IPI). This early risk stratification showed a strong association with progression-free survival (HR, 1.00 vs. 3.98 [95% CI 2.10-7.54] vs. 13.97 [95% CI 7.02-27.83], P < 0.001). Early risk stratification using interim Deauville score and baseline IPI predicts the risk of disease progression or death in patients with DLBCL. Our results provide guidance with interim PET-driven treatment intensification strategies.

Predictive value of interim FDG-PET/CT findings in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with R-CHOP

Objectives: To examine the prognostic value of interim 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) findings after 2–4 cycles of rituximab, plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) receiving standardized treatment.

Results: After a median 3.36 years (range 0.33 to 9.14 years), 24 of the 80 patients had documented relapse. In Interim-PET findings, 2-year PFS was significantly shorter for PET-positive as compared with PET-negative patients (50.0% vs. 86.4%; p = 0.0012). In End-PET findings, 2-year PFS was significantly shorter for PET-positive as compared with PET-negative patients (25.0% vs. 84.7%; p < 0.0001). The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of Interim-PET for predicting relapse or disease progression were 57.1% and 75.8%, respectively, while those for End-PET were 75.0% and 75.0%, respectively.

Methods: Eighty DLBCL patients treated with first-line 6–8 R-CHOP courses regardless of interim imaging findings were enrolled. Each underwent FDG-PET/CT scanning at staging, and again during (Interim-PET) and at the end of (End-PET) therapy. PET positivity or negativity at Interim-PET and End-PET as related to progression-free survival (PFS) was examined using Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Conclusion: Mid-treatment FDG-PET/CT findings may be useful for determining disease status in patients with DLBCL undergoing induction R-CHOP chemotherapy, though are not recommended for treatment decisions as part of routine clinical practice.

Prognostic analysis of interim 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma after one cycle versus two cycles of chemotherapy

Objectives

¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is routinely used in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) for staging, assessment of remission and recurrence, and estimation of therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we aimed to assess the role of an early interim PET/computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of response in DLBCL.

Methods

Sixty primary DLBCL patients (31 females) were analyzed. Baseline and follow-up ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT was performed in patients after one cycle (n = 30) and two cycles (n = 30) of chemotherapy. The ΔSUVmax% was calculated. Patients were additionally evaluated using the conventional Deauville five-point scale (D-5PS) system. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was employed to characterize the MYC gene status. We determined the optimum cutoff value of ΔSUVmax% using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Kaplan–Meier analysis was applied to test for the influence of prognostic values.

Results

The optimal cutoff for the prediction of treatment outcome was a ΔSUVmax% of 57% (after one cycle) and 63% (after two cycles); we could not detect a difference in accuracy with respect to a PET scan performed after one cycle and two cycles of chemotherapy (P  > 0.05). The ΔSUVmax% and the D-5PS (score 5) showed the highest prognostic value compared to a score of 3 and/or 4 (both after one cycle and two cycles). No significant difference in sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, or the area of under the curve (AUC) of ΔSUVmax% and D-5PS (score 5) was observed between PETs performed after one cycle or two cycles of therapy (P  > 0.05). ΔSUVmax%, D-5PS (score 5), and MYC gene rearrangement correlated significantly (P  < 0.001).

Conclusion

Interim ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT after one cycle of chemotherapy is feasible and yields similar predictive results as compared to an interim ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT after two cycles of chemotherapy in patients suffering from DLBCL. The combination of interim ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT with the MYC gene diagnosis might provide increased prognostic value for DLBCL.

Metabolic tumor volume changes assessed by interval 18fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography for the prediction of complete response and survival in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

An early discrimination of survival probability is required for patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), which may identify patients that require other treatment options, for example clinical trials. To the best of our knowledge, the impact of interim evaluation with ¹⁸fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) has not yet been determined in this type of neoplasia. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of changes in metabolic tumor volume (MTV) between baseline and interim ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scans, following three courses of chemotherapy in order to predict complete response (CR) and overall survival (OS) in patients with DLBCL. Patients with previously untreated DLBCL who had received the standard 6–8 cycles of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone were included in the present study. A predictive model was constructed using changes in MTV and other clinical factors including age, gender, East Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status, clinical stage, B symptoms, the presence of bulky disease and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, and data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. In total, 50 patients with DLBCL were included in the present study. The majority of patients presented with stage III/IV disease (64%), B symptoms (72%) and bulky disease (58%). According to the International Prognostic Index score, 44% of patients were in the intermediate-high or high-risk categories for risk of relapse, and therefore considered to have poor prognosis. In total, ≥94% of patients achieving a decrease in total MTV had a 2-year OS rate of 95%, compared with the 58% OS rate of those with a suboptimal response. A multivariate model, including a change in MTV (a decrease of ≥94%), the ECOG performance status ≥2, a change in leukocyte counts and age, was used to predict CR. This model was used to define two groups according to the predicted probability of recurrence (cutoff, 0.69). The 2-year survival rates of the two groups were 95 and 59%, respectively. Analysis of changes in MTV in the interim ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT revealed significant prognostic value for the prediction of CR and OS in patients with DLBCL.

Interim 18F-FDG PET/CT improves the prognostic value of S-IPI, R-IPI and NCCN-IPI in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

The current study aimed to explore whether the efficiency of the standard International Prognostic Index (S-IPI), revised-IPI (R-IPI) and enhanced-IPI (NCCN-IPI) in evaluating the prognosis of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) may be improved by interim ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT. A total of 185 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL were enrolled in the current study. All patients underwent interim PET/CT following the 4th cycle of chemotherapy. Patients were divided into different risk groups using S-IPI, R-IPI and NCCN-IPI and further subdivided into risk groups using interim PET/CT. Interpretations were evaluated for 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). With a median follow-up time of 44 months, the 2-year PFS and OS were 60% [95% confidence interval (CI) 53–67%] and 81% (95% CI 74–86%), respectively. Analysis of S-IPI and NCCN-IPI identified no significant difference in PFS and OS between high intermediate and high risk groups. However, there were significant differences in the PFS and OS between the low and low intermediate risk groups (P<0.01). Interim PET/CT was used to redistribute patients in the higher risk group into PET negative and positive groups (P<0.01) and arallel results were observed in the lower risk group. In R-IPI, interim PET/CT identified a significant difference between PFS and OS in the good and poor risk groups but not in the very good risk group. Therefore, the results of the current study indicate that S-IPI, R-IPI and NCCN-IPI are three clinically useful prognostic indexes for patients with DLBCL. Interim PET/CT may improve the prognostic value of S-IPI, R-IPI and NCCN-IPI in predicting 2-year PFS and OS, particularly in patients with a high IPI score.

18F-FDG-PET/MRI in lymphoma patients

The introduction of hybrid PET/MRI imaging using integrated systems into clinical practice has opened up the possibility of reducing the radiation dose from hybrid imaging by eliminating the contribution from computed tomography. Studies comparing the possibilities of PET/CT and PET/MRI imaging demonstrated it is possible to use the advantages of the high contrast resolution of magnetic resonance for soft tissue and bone marrow along with PET records in a quality comparable to PET/CT imaging. The significant feature for PET imaging in Hodgkińs lymphoma is that it is a tissue with high levels of radiopharmaceutical accumulation, which decreases proportionally after successful therapeutic effect, the effect of therapy is assessed using Deauville score system on interim examinations. While the efficacy of prognosis determined using the Deauville scale in HL is widely accepted, it turns out that in DLBCL, the prognostic value of PET imaging is bound to the evaluation of subtypes. PET/MRI scanning can be used to evaluate a relapse if follicular lymphoma has already been treated, or to confirm transformation into more aggressive forms. In children and adults with Burkitt's lymphoma, negative findings after induction therapy have a high negative predictive value for relapse prognosis.