18F-Fludeoxyglucose PET/Computed Tomography for Assessing Tumor Response to Immunotherapy and Detecting Immune-Related Side Effects: A Checklist for the PET Reader

PET Clin. 2020 Jan;15(1):1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.cpet.2019.08.006.

Abstract

After a short summary of the biological basis of the immune checkpoint inhibitors used for the treatment of nonhematologic solid tumors, the issues of pseudoprogression, hyperprogression, and immune-related side effects are discussed as well as their implications for patient management. Recommendations are provided for performing 18F-Fludeoxyglucose PET scanning, assessing tumor response, and reporting immune-related side effects, with representative clinical cases.

Keywords: FDG; Hyperprogression; Immune-related side effects; Immunotherapy; PET; Pseudoprogression; Therapy monitoring.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Checklist
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography / methods*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18