Routine Surveillance PET/CT Scans?

[Guest guest]

Routine Surveillance PET/CT Scans?

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Lymphoma in the News: Routine Surveillance PET/CT Scans Prone to False

Positives: http://t.co/4huoqPk

Q: My question would be; if not PET/CT, then what? I know they are just

reporting the data, but what is the alternative? I'm all for not having to

deal with a regular PET.

Comment: Good question. I think it depends on the type of lymphoma (indolent

vs aggressive), the goal of therapy (management vs. curative intent), when

the test is given: prior to therapy (w & w) or during or after therapy

(shortly after or every 3 months for years?), but also how the information

can be used - if there is a potential clinical benefit from early knowledge

of a relapse or progression? Is it actionable information?

An alternative for indolent lymphoma might be regular labs, routine direct

examination for palpable nodes, and patient reporting of symptoms. When

findings suggest a change in the disease status, then you might image -

rather than imaging on a regular schedule.

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All the best,

Karl

Patients Against Lymphoma

www.Lymphomation.org

All the best,

~ Karl

Patients Against Lymphoma

Patients Helping Patients

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