Role of ⁶⁷Ga scintigraphy in localization of lymphoma

Abstract

 This review deals with the applications of ⁶⁷Gallium (Ga) scintigraphy for the initial staging and follow-up during and after treatment of patients with Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). During the last decade, the technique of visualization has been largely improved by using higher doses and additional tomography. Here, the indications for ⁶⁷Ga scintigraphy in comparison with CT and MRI are discussed. The conditions resulting in false positive and false negative results have been outlined. ⁶⁷Ga may detect unusual involved sites during staging procedures. However, the major contribution to the management of Hodgkin's disease and NHL is the evaluation of residual masses, because ⁶⁷Ga uptake reflects the metabolic acitivity of the tumor. The review ends with an additional short overview of other radionuclide imaging methods useful for malignant lymphoma.