Positron emission tomography (PET) scans for lymphoma

 Positron emission tomography (PET) is a type of nuclear medicine imaging that utilizes small amounts of radioactive materials called radiotracers to examine and measure physiological functions in the body.

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans for lymphoma was first reviewed by the HTA program in 2011.

  • In 2018, the HCA director selected PET for rereview based on newly available evidence published since 2011 that could change the original coverage determination.

  • A rereview of positron emission tomography scans for lymphoma was conducted later in 2018.

Status: Decision completed

View findings and decision

Why is PET being reviewed?

The 2018 rereview summarizes information on diagnostic accuracy (e.g. sensitivity, specificity, predictive values) for context and presents new research findings evaluating the clinical effectiveness (i.e. the ability of PET to stage and influence therapeutic decisions, clinical management, and clinical outcomes). The safety, differential efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of PET for lymphoma in adult, pediatric, and other subpopulations are also part of this report.

The combination of PET with diffusion weighted MRI is an emerging technology for the evaluation of lymphoma. Because this combination is not widely used, the focus of this report is on PET/CT as it is the current standard of care. Evidence on PET/MRI is included as appropriate.

Primary criteria ranking

  • Safety = Medium
  • Efficacy = High
  • Cost = Medium

Documentation

Type Materials
Assessment (2018)
Assessment (2011)

Assessment timeline (2018)

  • Draft key questions published: June 14, 2018
    • Public comment period: June 15 to 28, 2018
  • Final key questions published: July 12, 2018
  • Draft report published: August 31, 2018
    • Public comment period: August 31 to October 1, 2018
  • Final report published: October 18, 2018
  • HTCC public meeting: November 16, 2018

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