Hutchings et al evaluated patients with Hodgkin's disease using positron emission tomography (PET) scans following chemotherapy. The change in the PET scan following the first or second course of chemotherapy is predictive of prognosis. The authors are from multiple institutions in Europe and the United States.
Patient selection: Hodgkin's disease receiving initial chemotherapy with positive PET scan
Evaluation:
(1) PET scan result after first course of chemotherapy
(2) PET scan result after second course of chemotherapy
PET Scan Results
4-Year Progression Free Survival
4-Year Overall Survival
PET scan negative after first course
98%
100%
PET scan negative after second course
90%
NA
PET scan positive after second course
0%
NA
where:
• All patients with a negative PET scan after the first course also had a negative scan after the second course of chemotherapy.
A patient with a negative scan after the first round of chemotherapy may be a candidate for a less intensive regimen.
A patient with a positive scan after the second round of chemotherapy may require more aggressive management.
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