Imaging of Chemokine Receptor-4 Targeted PET/CT with 68Ga-Pentixafor in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Comparison to 18F-FDG

Abstract Background: In order to study the CXCR4 expression with 68Ga-Pentixafor PET in different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, we performed a retrospective study to describe the 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT imaging in a spectrum of lymphomas and to compare it with 18F-FDG PET/CT. Results: Twenty-seven patients with newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin lymphoma were recruited retrospectively. 68Ga-Pentixafor PET showed increased radioactivity in lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (n = 8), marginal zone lymphoma (n = 4), diffuse large B cell lymphoma (n = 3), follicular lymphoma (n = 2), mantle cell lymphoma (n = 1), unclassified indolent B cell lymphoma (n = 3) and enteropathy associated T cell lymphoma (n = 3). However, peripheral T cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (n = 1), and NK/T cell lymphoma (n = 2) were not avid for 68Ga-Pentixafor. In comparison to 18F-FDG PET, 68Ga-Pentixafor PET demonstrated more extensive disease and higher radioactivity in lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma. Conclusion: CXCR4 expression varies in different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Overexpression of CXCR4 was detected with 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT in lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, diffuse large B cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, unclassified indolent B cell lymphoma, and enteropathy associated T cell lymphoma.