What does interval resolution mean?

[Decktime]

Oct. '23, after 14 months of Eligard and Darolutamide the PSMA PET report seems encouraging. But I don't know what "interval resolution" means.

"The prostate is small and has decreased in size since prior examination. The previously

noted area of increased radiotracer activity in the left prostate is no longer seen."

"The previously noted foci of increased radiotracer activity in the skeleton are no longer

seen. Currently, there is no evidence of focal radiotracer activity in the skeleton."

"1. Interval resolution of the increased radiotracer activity in the left prostate.

2. Interval resolution of the areas of increased radiotracer activity in the skeleton. The

previously noted small sclerotic lesions in the skeleton have not significantly changed."

[Justfor_]

ChatGPT responded:

"Interval resolution in a PET scan report refers to the ability of the imaging technique to detect changes or resolution of abnormalities over time. It's particularly important in monitoring the progress of diseases or response to treatment. For example, if a patient undergoes PET scans at different intervals during cancer treatment, interval resolution would refer to how effectively the PET scan can show if the cancerous tissue is shrinking or disappearing over time. This information is crucial for assessing the efficacy of the treatment and making decisions about further interventions."

Follow up query as the change/difference between the two pet scans is obvious, but the direction (improve vs worsen ) is not clear:

"In layman's terms, "interval resolution of the increased radiotracer activity in the left prostate" means that there has been a change or improvement in the amount of a radioactive substance detected in the left side of the prostate gland over a certain period of time. This change could indicate a reduction in abnormal tissue activity, which could be a positive sign, especially if the patient is undergoing treatment for a condition like prostate cancer."

I wouldn't take it to the bank, though...

[Tall_Allen]

It just means that in the time interval since the last scan those spots have resolved (are no longer seen). Congratulations!

[Researcher50]

I'll take T_A's explanations over ChatGPT's any day.