Observations of Oncologists on Treatment Selection With Interim Positron Emission Tomography–Adapted Approaches in Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma: The Real-World CONNECT Study

Abstract

PURPOSE We surveyed oncologists who treat classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) as part of the CONNECT study to understand the treatment decision‐making process, including the impact of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging. METHODS US physicians self-identifying as oncologists, hematologists, or hematologists/oncologists with ≥2 years of practice experience who treated ≥1 adult with stage III/IV cHL in the frontline setting in the last year were surveyed (October 19-November 16, 2020). Physician demographics, guideline adherence, and PET/CT utilization, interpretation, and access barriers were assessed. RESULTS In total, 301 physicians participated in the survey. Eighty-eight percent of physicians gave somewhat-to-significant consideration to NCCN guidelines. Most physicians (94%; n = 284) reported obtaining a PET/CT scan at diagnosis; of these physicians, 97% reported obtaining an interim PET/CT scan for stage III/IV cHL, with 65% typically obtaining an interim PET/CT scan after cycle 2. The Deauville 5-point scale (5PS) was the primary scoring system used to review PET/CT results by 62% of physicians, with a positive score defined as ≥3 by 44%, ≥4 by 37%, and ≥2 by 12% of physicians. Fifty-five percent of physicians reported difficulty in obtaining PET/CT scans. CONCLUSION Although most physicians considered NCCN guidelines when treating patients with stage III/IV cHL, interim PET/CT scans after cycle 2 were not universally obtained. When PET/CT scans were obtained, Deauville 5PS scores were not always provided, and variability existed on what defined a positive score. These findings suggest that opportunities exist for education and improved PET-adapted treatment approaches.

Real‐life study on the use of response adapted therapy in patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma: Results from a multicenter experience

“…[14][15][16][17][18][19][20] However, few data are known regarding the use of iPET2 in routine clinical practice, and in particular about the real-life adoption of intensification strategies for iPET positive patients, including frequency and type of intensification therapies and related outcomes and, thus, making considerations in this regard difficult. [21][22][23][24][25] In addition, most studies (both clinical trials and real-life observational research) have been referred to advanced stage patients and, thus, possible improvements from additional research need to be investigated.…”

Patient preferences in the treatment of stage III/IV classic Hodgkin lymphoma: Results from the CONNECT cross‐sectional survey

“…Additional information on the CONNECT study caregiver and physician surveys is published separately. [17][18][19]…”

“…The focus of this manuscript is the CONNECT patient survey. Results from the CONNECT physician 17,18 and caregiver 19 surveys have been published. The CONNECT patient survey was administered online from 30 December 2020 to 1 March 2021.…”

Enhancing the Diagnostic Utility of ASL Imaging in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy through FlowGAN: An ASL to PET Image Translation Framework

“…Current standard of care involves acquiring both MRI, to evaluate for causative structural lesions, and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) using fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET), to detect areas of interictal hypometabolism associated with the SOZ 4,5 . However, despite its effectiveness, FDG-PET has limitations, including high cost and exposure to ionizing radiation, which may not be suitable for all patients 6,7 .…”