The role of 18F-FDG-PET in detecting Richter's transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in patients receiving therapy with a B-cell receptor inhibitor
Yucai Wang, Kari G. Rabe, Michael S. Bold, Min Shi, Curtis A. Hanson, Susan M. Schwager, Timothy G. Call, Saad S. Kenderian, Eli Muchtar, Suzanne R. Hayman, Amber B. Koehler, Amie Fonder, Asher Chanan‐Khan, Daniel L. Van Dyke, Susan L. Slager, Neil E. Kay, Wei Ding, José F. Leis, Sameer A. Parikh
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a low grade B-cell malignancy. Approximately 2-10% of CLL can undergo Richter transformation (RT) to an aggressive lymphoma, most commonly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). 1-3 Management of RT is extremely challenging and the clinical outcome is dismal. In CLL patients with suspected disease progression, distinguishing between progressive CLL and RT is critically important, as the management and prognosis are different.