Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of cervical carcinoma: perfusion pattern and relationship with tumour angiogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and time-intensity curves to assess angiogenesis in cervical cancer.

METHODS

60 patients who were scheduled to undergo radical surgery for biopsy-proven cervical cancers underwent CEUS. Surgical tissue sections from 32 patients who did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy were analyzed with CD34 staining to estimate intratumoral microvessel density (MVD). CEUS images were analyzed for maximum intensity (IMAX), rise time (RT), time to peak (TTP) and mean transit time.

RESULTS

Cervical lesions had a higher IMAX and shorter RT and TTP (p < 0.001) than reference regions. There was a linear association between the IMAX of the cervical lesion and the mean intratumoral MVD (r = 0.624, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in CEUS variables according to histological type, grade and stage.

CONCLUSION

Quantitative CEUS variables have potential use for monitoring perfusion changes in tumours after non-surgical therapy for advanced cervical cancer.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

The article demonstrates the capability and value of quantitative CEUS as a non-invasive strategy for detecting the perfusion and angiogenic status of cervical cancer. Quantitative CEUS variables have potential use for monitoring tumour response to non-surgical therapy.