Routine Blood Investigations Have Limited Utility in Routine Surveillance of High-Grade Lymphomas (HGL) in Remission after First-Line Therapy

Abstract

Abstract Background Patients with HGL achieving complete remission (CR) after first-line combination chemotherapy undergo regular surveillance to detect early signs of relapse. As follow-up imaging is associated with increased radiation-related risk and minimal benefit in asymptomatic (aSx) patients, imaging as surveillance is no longer routine. (Eichenauer Ann Oncol 2014, Tilly Ann Oncol 2015) Regular laboratory testing (Labs) still feature in internationally-recognised surveillance guidelines (eg NCCN), despite limited evidence in the modern era for their use in relapse detection. Studies conducted prior to modern imaging (PET/CT) and use of rituximab suggeste..