The role of 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics in lymphoma

Purpose: To systematically review the applications of texture analysis and radiomics applied to 18F-FDG PET/CT in lymphoma. Methods: According to the PRISMA statement, a comprehensive research of the literature was performed to find relevant articles on the applications of texture analysis and radiomics to 18F-FDG PET/CT in lymphomas. Information on the general, methodological and clinical aspects of all included studies was collected. Studies were divided into three groups depending on their clinical aim: (1) outcome prediction; (2) histological differentiation from other malignancies; (3) assessment of bone marrow involvement. Results: Twenty-seven full-text papers were selected for final review, 17 of which aimed to predict outcome, prognosis or survival, 7 tried to differentiate lymphoma from other malignancies and 3 studies aimed to assess bone marrow involvement. Conclusions: 18F-FDG PET/CT textural and radiomic features may be useful tools in lymphoma for histological prediction, prognostic assessment and bone marrow involvement definition. Further studies are needed to integrate radiomics in clinical multi-omic models.