Prognostic value of interim (18)F-FDG-PET in diffuse large B cell lymphoma treated with rituximab-based immune-chemotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The prognostic value of an interim fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG PET) for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has been assessed by different groups. However, studies have suggested that the use of rituximab could limit the predictive value of interim (18)F-FDG PET for DLBCL. To clarify the prognostic value of interim (18)F-FDG PET in DLBCL patients treated with rituximab based immunochemotherapy, we searched for relevant studies in PubMed, the Cochrane Library and EMBASE. A random versus fixed effects model was applied according to the heterogeneity. According to the literature search strategies, 11 studies were identified. The pooled HR comparing PFS between patients with positive and negative results was 2.96 (95% CI=2.25-3.89). The patients in interim (18)F-FDG PET negative group had a higher CR rates than that in interim (18)F-FDG PET positive group (RR=5.53, 95% CI=2.59-11.80). Consistent evidence favoring interim (18)F-FDG PET-based treatment assessment should be considered in the management of patients with DLBCL.