The value of perfusion CT in predicting the short-term response to synchronous radiochemotherapy for cervical squamous cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the value of the perfusion parameters in predicting short-term tumour response to synchronous radiochemotherapy for cervical squamous carcinoma.

METHODS

Ninety-three patients with cervical squamous carcinoma later than stage IIB were included in this study. Perfusion CT was performed for all these patients who subsequently received the same synchronous radiochemotherapy. The patients were divided into responders and non-responders according to short-term response to treatment. Baseline perfusion parameters of the two groups were compared. The perfusion parameters that might affect treatment effect were analysed by using a multivariate multi-regression analysis.

RESULTS

The responders group had higher baseline permeability-surface area product (PS) and blood volume (BV) values than the non-responders group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in baseline mean transit time (MTT) and blood flow (BF) value between the two groups (P >0.05). At multivariate multi-regression analysis, BV, PS and tumour size were significant factors in the prediction of treatment effect. Small tumours usually had high PS and BV values, and thus had a good treatment response.

CONCLUSION

Perfusion CT can provide some helpful information for the prediction of the short-term effect. Synchronous radiochemotherapy may be more effective in cervical squamous carcinoma with higher baseline PS and BV.

KEY POINTS

• Perfusion CT can reflect tumour vascular physiology in cervical squamous carcinoma. • Perfusion CT helps predict the short-term effect before treatment • Synchronous radiochemotherapy may be more effective in patients with higher baseline BV and PS.