Evaluation of the use of fluorine-18-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose for PET/TC testing in the response to immunotherapy treatment in patients with lymphoma: an integrative review

Abstract

This study investigated the use of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) labeled with fluorine-18 (18F-FDG PET/CT) for the diagnosis and staging of lymphomas, as well as its application in evaluating the response to immunotherapy in these patients. The results showed that the use of 18F-FDG PET/CT has been valuable in personalizing treatment and reducing disease recurrence, providing important information. However, it is important to consider that this technique may yield false-positive results due to the detection of inflammation and areas of fat necrosis, among other factors. Immunotherapy, aimed at stimulating the patient’s immune system to combat cancer, has shown promise in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma. Medications such as pembrolizumab, brentuximab vedotin, and nivolumab have demonstrated positive results. In conclusion, the use of 18F-FDG PET/CT has played an effective role in predicting outcomes in Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. However, the diagnosis and treatment of lymphomas are influenced by various factors, such as blood sugar control, the specific cancer type, and the type of treatment used. While this examination is valuable for lymphoma detection and monitoring, it is important to consider its limitations and the possibility of false-positive results.