The founder of PET/CT at Las Colinas discusses the prognostic benefits of this procedure.

Irving, TX, Aug – Chemotherapy often plays a critical and very necessary role in the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Particular forms of treatment, however, may not always be required to combat the disease. PET scans have been shown to give doctors the prognostic insights necessary to help guide intervention in a manner that more directly targets a patient’s individual treatment needs.

“By enabling clinicians to see inside the body and gauge how patients are responding to treatment, PET scans can offer critical insights to guide future treatment,” explains Dr. Gregory Echt, founder of PET/CT of Las Colinas. “Some patients, for example, may require more intensive treatments to improve survival likelihood while others may benefit from less rigorous courses of action.”

A recent study involving the use of PET scans in the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma showed the value of repeat scans during treatment. Researchers looked at an overall study group of more than 1,200 patients. All patients had advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Each patient in the study was given a follow-up PET scan after undergoing two standard rounds of chemotherapy. Patients with clear PET scans after the two treatment sessions were split into two groups. One group moved on with standard chemotherapy treatments, the other standard chemo combined with the use of the drug bleomycin.

“The researchers found that patients with clear scans had the same relative survival rate regardless of the treatment variation they were given,” says Dr. Echt. “The group that avoided the use of bleomycin, however, also avoided the side effects that can go along with this medication’s use.”

Although a critical tool in the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, bleomycin may not also be necessary as a course of treatment, the study found. PET scans provide the basis to determine which patients would benefit and which might not.

“The study showed that PET scans can offer insights to more carefully target treatment options,” says Dr. Echt. “When scans are not clear, more intensive therapy is likely called for. If they are clear, however, the addition of bleomycin after initial rounds of chemotherapy may not be strictly necessary.”

Patients undergoing treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma or any form of cancer should discuss all treatment options with their healthcare providers. The best recommendations will come from a physician with knowledge about the details of a particular case.

About PET/CT of Las Colinas
PET/CT of Las Colinas is dedicated to the care and wellbeing of our patients. We understand that the foundation of a successful treatment plan – or a clean bill of health – begins with sophisticated, accurate imagery. We look forward to providing you with the highest level of care. Our imaging center is located conveniently across the highway from the Las Colinas Medical Center within the Las Colinas Cancer Center on Highway 161 in Irving, TX. and – once here – we offer hassle-free curbside parking.