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Prognostic value of interim PET/CT scan results in pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma
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  • Mohyeldin Abdelhalim,
  • Nadia Eldeeb,
  • Omar Zahra,
  • Amr Abdelkerim,
  • Shady Fadel
Mohyeldin Abdelhalim
Alexandria University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Nadia Eldeeb
Alexandria University
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Omar Zahra
Alexandria University
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Amr Abdelkerim
Alexandria University
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Shady Fadel
Alexandria University
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Abstract

Background: Treating Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) among children comprises a trade-off between cure and reduction of radiotherapy (RT) toxicity. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) identifies patients showing early favorable response to chemotherapy, and therefore can preclude the RT need. Objective: The current study aims to discuss the prognostic value of interim PET/CT following two cycles of chemotherapy OEPA (Oncovin, Etoposide, Prednisone, Adriamycin) in pediatric HL in terms of event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively included all HL patients younger than 18 years, between January 2010 and December 2017. Interim PET/CT was performed after two chemotherapy cycles. Patients were stratified into three risk groups into: group 1, group 2 and group 3. OEPA regimen was used in early disease while Cyclophosphamide, Oncovin, Prednisone and Dacarbazine were added in advanced disease. RT was avoided in all patients who achieved complete response (CR) by interim PET/CT. Results: 65 patients were included. Based on the negative interim PET/CT responses, 43 (66.1%) patients were treated without RT. The 5-year EFS for the entire cohort was 89 % and OS was 97%. Most of the PET/CT scans at the end of treatment were done in positive interim PET/CT cases, while in early responders; only CT scans were done. Conclusions: Interim PET/CT in pediatric HL is a good prognostic tool to evaluate early responders after the 2 initial chemotherapy cycles and hence omit RT to this group of patients.