title: Standardization of image quality across multiple centers by optimization of acquisition and reconstruction parameters with interim FDG-PET/CT for evaluating diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A multicenter trial is currently underway using FDG-PET/CT to evaluate diffuse large B cell lymphoma in Japan (JSCT NHL10). Standardization of the image quality between the participating centers is a fundamental aspect of the study. Within the framework of JSCT NHL10, standardization of the image quality was attempted by optimizing the acquisition and reconstruction conditions using mid-therapy FDG-PET/CT for diffuse large B cell lymphoma. This report describes the procedures and results of this attempt.
  
  
  METHODS
  The acquisition protocols and imaging quality were initially determined at each center and again after modification. The image quality was based on performance with an (18)F-filled National Electrical Manufacturers Association standards body phantom. We determined that the acquisition duration and reconstruction parameters of each scanner evaluated were in compliance with the Japanese guideline for the oncology FDG-PET/CT data acquisition protocol: synopsis of Version 1.0 (the Guideline) based on the results of the phantom experiments performed by the Core Laboratory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 18 centers (19 scanners) participated in this trial. The center's default protocol was unchanged for 9 scanners (47.4%) and changed for 10 scanners (52.6%). Both acquisition duration and reconstruction parameters were changed in 3 (15.8%) of 10 scanners and the acquisition duration alone was changed in 7 (36.8%) scanners. Also, the accuracy of the standardized uptake value (SUV) was evaluated with the acceptable level 1.0 ± 0.1, resulting in readjustment and recalibration in 2 scanners (10.5%), which were confirmed to attain the acceptable accuracy after the required readjustment. As of August 2012, 21 patients have undergone an FDG-PET/CT examination under the acquisition protocols determined by the Core Laboratory. Evaluation of the image quality using several physical parameters confirmed that the accumulated data were of sufficient quality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Optimization of the acquisition protocol, in compliance with the guideline, was successfully achieved by the Core Laboratory in the framework of JSCT NHL10 to accumulate equivalent quality data across multiple centers. The progress of the trial was greatly facilitated by support from the Japan Society of Nuclear Medicine Working Group for Investigation of Response Evaluation Criteria in Malignant Tumors Using Standardized PET/CT (Principal Investigator: Ukihide Tateishi, MD., PhD).
authors.affiliation: Nihon Medi-Physics Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. hdaisaki@gmail.com
authors.forename: Hiromitsu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Daisaki
authors.forename: Ukihide
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Tateishi
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Terauchi
authors.forename: Mitsuaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tatsumi
authors.forename: Kazufumi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.forename: Naoki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shimada
authors.forename: Hiroyuki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nishida
authors.forename: Akihiko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Numata
authors.forename: Koji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kato
authors.forename: Koichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Akashi
authors.forename: Mine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Harada
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000592:standards*; D016403:Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D064847:Multimodal Imaging / Q000592:standards*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D011786:Quality Control; D012015:Reference Standards; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18