PET/CT in malignant lymphoma: basic information, clinical application, and proposal

Coregistered fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) provides functional and morphologic data useful for the management of lymphoma. PET/CT is a promising tool in initial staging/re-staging, monitoring post-treatment recurrence/exacerbation, and evaluating prognosis at mid-treatment use [interim PET/CT (iPET/CT)]. Many multicenter studies are currently underway to investigate the effectiveness and safety of stratified treatment protocols using iPET/CT. Thus, the establishment of a system focusing on standardization of image quality through established protocols for scanning or quality control (QC) of the acquired data and organization of a core laboratory facility to promote standardization would be beneficial. Uniformity of image quality across multiple institutions can be guaranteed through optimization of imaging conditions and appropriate QC of PET/CT scanners to ensure standardization. Further research is required to ensure the standardization of PET/CT protocols used in the management of malignant lymphoma.