Xu Zhang

Department of Nuclear Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center

Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of interim positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) interpreted using the Deauville 5-point score in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP). Method: The institutional review board approved this study and waived the requirement for obtaining informed consent. This retrospective study involved 306 patients with DLBCL. All PET/CT images obtained after two chemotherapy cycles were reviewed by three experienced nuclear medicine doctors using the Deauville 5-point score. Survival curves were estimated using Kaplan–Meier analysis and compared using the log-rank test. Result: Interpretation according to the Deauville criteria determined that patients with negative results (1–3 points, n=181) had better outcomes than those with positive results (4–5 points, n=125) (treatment failure rate: 2.2% vs.39.2%, P<0.001; 2-year overall survival rate: 93.3% vs. 67.4%, P<0.001). Patients who scored 4 points (n=70) had better outcomes than those scored 5 points (n=55) (treatment failure rate: 12.9%vs. 72.7%, P<0.001; 2-year overall survival rate: 83.4% vs. 45.1%, P<0.001). Conclusion:Interim PET/CT interpreted using the Deauville 5-point score is effective for interim therapeutic evaluation during treatment in patients with DLBCL; only a Deauville score of 5predicts poor outcome. P<0.001; 2-year overall survival rate: 93.3% vs. 67.4%, P<0.001). Patients who scored 4 points (n=70) had better outcomes than those scored 5points (n=55) (treatment failure rate: 12.9%vs. 72.7%, P<0.001; 2-yearoverall survival rate: 83.4% vs. 45.1%, P< 0.001).

Key Words: diffuse large B cell lymphoma  early response asses