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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

Published in:

01-05-2013 | Original Article

The impact of systemic chemotherapy on testicular FDG activity in young men with Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Authors: Irene A. Burger, Hebert Alberto Vargas, Debra A. Goldman, Mithat Gonen, Anita Kumar, Andrew D. Zelenetz, Heiko Schöder, Hedvig Hricak

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Issue 5/2013

Abstract

Purpose

Based on prior reports suggesting a positive correlation between fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography (PET)/CT and total sperm count and concentration, we sought to identify changes in testicular FDG uptake over the course of chemotherapy in young men with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Methods

Fifty-two patients with a mean age of 24.2 years (range 15.5–44.4) at diagnosis monitored with FDG PET/CT to assess treatment response for Hodgkin’s lymphoma were selected for this retrospective analysis under an Institutional Review Board waiver. Of the patients, 26 were treated with a chemotherapy regimen known to cause prolonged and sometimes permanent azoospermia (BEACOPP—bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisolone) and 26 with a regimen known to have a much milder effect on gonadal function (ABVD—doxorubicin, bleomycin, vincristine, and dacarbazine). Each patient underwent one FDG PET/CT before treatment and at least one FDG PET/CT after start of chemotherapy. In all examinations, FDG activity was measured in the testes with different quantification metrics: maximum standardized uptake value (SUV_max), SUV_mean, functional volume (FV) and total testicular glycolysis (TTG), and blood pool activity determined (SUV_mean).

Results

Testicular FDG uptake (SUV_max) was significantly associated with blood pool activity (p < 0.001). Furthermore, testicular FDG uptake metrics incorporating volume (e.g., FV and TTG) were associated with age. There was no significant change in SUV_max, SUV_mean, FV, and TTG from the PET/CT at baseline to the PET/CTs over the course of chemotherapy either for patients treated with BEACOPP or for patients treated with ABVD.

Conclusion

For patients undergoing chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, there is a significant association between testicular FDG uptake and blood pool activity, but no significant changes in FDG uptake over the course of chemotherapy. Therefore, FDG uptake may not be a feasible surrogate marker for fertility monitoring in patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy.

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Title: The impact of systemic chemotherapy on testicular FDG activity in young men with Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Authors: Irene A. Burger
Hebert Alberto Vargas
Debra A. Goldman
Mithat Gonen
Anita Kumar
Andrew D. Zelenetz
Heiko Schöder
Hedvig Hricak
Publication date: 01-05-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue 5/2013
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-012-2335-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The impact of systemic chemotherapy on testicular FDG activity in young men with Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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