Browsing by Author "Veljkovic, Milos (57211281286)"

Hodgkin Lymphoma is a complex malignancy with unique features, primarily affecting children and young adults. The disease’s sensitivity to radiation therapy and the young age of onset underscore the importance of optimizing treatment strategies to minimize both acute and long-term toxicities associated with radiotherapy. In light of these considerations, our study aimed to evaluate whether [18 F]FDG-PET/CT assessment at interim and end-of-treatment timings, in comparison to conventional CT scans, led to a decrease or increase in unnecessary patient exposure to radiotherapy. The study involved 61 pediatric patients diagnosed and treated for Hodgkin lymphoma at our institution between 2009 and 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups based on treatment protocols: Group 1 received conventional CT imaging protocols, while Group 2 received [18 F]FDG-PET/CT-based protocols. The results demonstrated that [18 F]FDG-PET/CT-based protocols led to a reduction in the frequency of radiotherapy compared to conventional CT imaging (32% vs. 52%). This statistically significant difference highlights the potential benefits of [18 F]FDG-PET/CT in guiding treatment decisions and reducing unnecessary radiation exposure. Our research re-emphasize the potential of [18 F]FDG-PET/CT as a valuable tool in the management of pediatric patients with Hodgkin lymphoma in terms of more precise diagnosis and reduction of unnecessary treatment and toxicities. © Indian Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion 2024.

Background. Recurrent disease in post-irradiation patients with cervical cancer is often difficult to delineate on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), because posttreatment changes can have a similar appearance, and further evaluation is often required. The aims of the study were to evaluate positron emission tomography/computed tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG PET-CT) diagnostic role in suspected recurrent cervical cancer after radiotherapy, compare it to MRI, and assess their prognostic impact in these patients. Patients and methods. This cohort retrospective study included patients previously treated with radiotherapy for carcinoma of uterine cervix with suspected recurrence, who had undergone MRI of abdomen and pelvis, and were subsequently evaluated on FDG PET-CT, with minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Results. In the total of 84 patients included in analysis, MRI vs. FDG PET-CT showed sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 80.1%, 52.4% and 66.7%, vs. 97.6%, 61.9% and 79.8%, respectively. Patients with positive findings on MRI (Log Rank, p = 0.003) and PET-CT (Log Rank, p < 0.001) had shorter progression-free survival (PFS) than those with negative results. In univariate Cox regression models, MRI and FDG PET-CT results were found to be related to PFS (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, multivariate analysis proved only FDG PET-CT to be independent prognostic factor, where patients with positive FDG PET-CT results had almost nine times higher risk of progression (p < 0.001). Conclusion. FDG PET-CT represents useful diagnostic tool in suspected recurrent cervical cancer after radiotherapy, showing high sensitivity in its detection. In addition, it is an independent factor in predicting progression-free survival in these patients. © 2022 Sciendo. All rights reserved.