Deauville Score (5-Point Scale) for Lymphoma Response
5-point scale for interpreting PET-CT scan response in lymphoma. Compares residual FDG uptake to mediastinal blood pool (MBP) and liver as reference structures.
Score interpretation
Deauville 1–2. Complete metabolic response.
→ Continue or complete planned treatment. Continue surveillance.
Lugano 2014: score 3 is a complete metabolic response at interim and end of standard treatment. In trials of PET-guided de-escalation it may be judged an inadequate response, to avoid under-treatment.
→ Continue standard therapy; follow the protocol if treatment is PET-adapted. Interpret uptake at sites with high physiological uptake (Waldeyer's ring, extranodal sites) in context.
Uptake moderately above liver. Lugano 2014: lower than baseline = partial metabolic response (at end of treatment = residual disease); no significant change = no metabolic response; higher or new lesions = progressive metabolic disease.
→ Discuss at MDT; compare with the baseline scan; consider biopsy at end of treatment before salvage therapy. Context-dependent (interim vs end-of-treatment).
Uptake markedly above liver and/or new lesions. Lugano 2014: lower than baseline = partial metabolic response; unchanged = no metabolic response; higher uptake or new FDG-avid lesions = progressive metabolic disease.
→ Biopsy to confirm if clinically appropriate. If refractory or progressive: salvage therapy (e.g., DHAP, GDP, ICE) and stem cell transplant work-up in eligible patients.
Interpretation bands for the Deauville Score. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Cheson BD, et al. Recommendations for initial evaluation, staging, and response assessment of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: the Lugano classification. J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(27):3059-3068.
- Barrington SF, et al. Role of imaging in the staging and response assessment of lymphoma: consensus of the International Conference on Malignant Lymphomas Imaging Working Group. J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(27):3048-3058.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Thiamine (IV/IM — Pabrinex) · Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) — deficiency treatment / Wernicke's encephalopathy prevention
- Dextrose 10% IV · IV glucose solution (hypoglycaemia treatment)
- Glucose · Carbohydrate / hypoglycaemia treatment
- Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA) · Injectable Progestogen Contraceptive / Hormone Treatment
- Demeclocycline hydrochloride · Tetracycline antibiotic / off-label SIADH treatment
- Prednisolone (Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss) · Corticosteroid (systemic — SSNHL treatment)
- Major Haemorrhage / Massive Transfusion · BCSH; RCOA; RCEM; RCS — BCSH Guidelines
- Anaemia Investigation · BSH / NICE
- Splenomegaly Workup · BSH; BMJ Best Practice
- Deep Vein Thrombosis Diagnosis and Treatment · NICE CG144 / NICE NG158
- Sickle Cell Crisis · BSH 2021 / BCSH
- Neutropenic Sepsis · NICE CG151 2012 / ESMO
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.
