Tl-201 and Ga-67 scintigraphy in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Ga-67 scintigraphy is routinely used to stage and monitor non-Hodgkin's lym phoma (NHL), It is highly sensitive in high-grade NHL but less so in interm ediate- and low-grade NHL. Several studies have reported the use of Tl-201 in the low and intermediate grades of NHL and found it superior in tow-grad e NHL. In this study, the authors evaluated the utility of combined Ga-67 a nd Tl-201 scintigraphy in low, intermediate, and unusual types of NHL, Comb ined Tl-201 and Ga-67 scintigraphy were done in 33 patients (18 women, 15 m en; age range, 21-91 years; mean age, 56 years). Tl-201 and Ga-67 had simil ar overall patient sensitivity in the 33 patients studied. However, the use of both agents increased the overall patient sensitivity from 67% (for Ga- 67 only) to 82% and improved the overall site detection from 59 positive si tes with Ga-67 to 81 abnormal sites with both Tl-201 and Ga-67, The combine d use of Tl-201 and Ga-67 scintigraphy in low- and intermediate-grade NHL r esulted in increased disease and site detection and is beneficial for clini cal follow-up.