[Hybrid imaging in lymphoma]

Abstract

Hybrid imaging using the tracer [18F]FDG (2‑deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose) is regarded as the backbone of the diagnostic workup of lymphomas. All international guidelines, and especially the Lugano and RECIL (Response Evaluation Criteria in Lymphoma) guidelines, currently recommend [18F]FDG-PET/CT (positron emission tomography/computed tomography) for staging and treatment response assessment. With the exception of pediatric lymphomas, neither PET/MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) nor whole-body MRI are currently endorsed by international guidelines, despite the fact that both techniques have clear advantages over [18F]FDG-PET/CT in the assessment of lymphomas with variable FDG avidity. Of the new, more specific PET tracers that are being evaluated for the use in lymphomas, the CXCR4 (CXC motif chemokine receptor 4) tracer [68Ga]Pentixafor is of particular interest, as initial studies have shown that it may be used to visualize frequently non-FDG-avid lymphomas such as small-cell lymphocytic lymphoma, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma and lymphomplasmacytic lymphoma.

Keywords: Cancer; Computed tomography; Leukemia; Magnetic resonance imaging; Positron emission tomography.