The role of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computerized tomography in resolving therapeutic dilemmas in pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma

INTRODUCTION: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a highly curable lymphoma with cure rates of over 80% and even higher with limited stage disease. Computerized tomography (CT) scan is currently the recommended modality in staging and assessment of response to therapy in patients with HL. However, CT has its limitations. This study describes our experience with patients of HL where fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)-CT scan helped decide further management, after completion of chemotherapy. METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective review of the records of children diagnosed with HL at our center. Patients with post-treatment CT scan showing evidence of residual disease, who underwent FDG-PET-CT for deciding further management, were included in the study. RESULTS: Thirty one patients were diagnosed with HL during this period. Nine patients were eligible and underwent PET-CT. In 8 out of 9 patients, PET-CT showed no scan evidence of active disease. In one patient, FDG-PET-CT carried out after completion of chemotherapy showed evidence of active disease and was given radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: FDG-PET-CT is a promising modality in deciding further management when there is discordance between the post-treatment CT scan and clinical condition of the patient with HL thus avoiding unnecessary chemotherapy/radiotherapy.