Phd in ANGIO-CARDIO-THORACIC PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND IMAGING

Thesis title: Role of SUV in “ad-interim” PET/CT in the assessment of therapeutic efficacy and overall survival in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the role of the “ad interim” Maximum Standardized Uptake Value (SUVmax) in the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy and its correlation with overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) in patients with Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods: This study included 77 consecutive patients with confirmed DLBCL histology who performed “ad-interim” FDG PET/CT scan at “Pio XI” private hospital in Rome. Initial staging was done following AIOM guidelines. “Ad interim” PET/CT scan was performed after three or four cycles of therapy. Follow-up data were retrospectively obtained by telephone interview. Results: The study of correlation between the reduction of SUVmax and PFS showed a correlation coefficient R = 0.43 with significance level p = 0.001 with the regression line equation f(x) = 0,0994x + 8,968. 12-month and 24-month PFS was 55% and 35%, respectively. The correlation study between the reduction of SUVmax and OS showed a correlation coefficient R = 0.42 with significance level p = 0.001 with regression line equation f(x)= 0,0703x + 18,514. OS at 12 months and at 24 months was 72%. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the “ad interim” PET/CT scan is a useful and reliable tool to assess treatment efficacy and time in Complete Remission. In fact, SUVmax correlated with both overall survival and progression free survival.