Use of prechemotherapy positron emission tomography-CT imaging, acquired in the treatment position, to help plan involved nodal radiotherapy for a patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Abstract

Fused positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) images are increasingly being used to assist radiation oncologists in the definition of treatment volumes for patients with metabolically active tumours. This is the first report in which baseline fluorodeoxyglucose-PET-CT images were acquired in the treatment position in a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and incorporated directly into the radiotherapy treatment planning process. It highlights the potential benefits of using combined 3-D functional and structural imaging for the design of radiation target volumes in patients with aggressive lymphomas that are managed with combined chemo and radiotherapy. © 2011 The Royal A..