Kinetic analysis and probability mapping applied to the detection of ovarian cancer by radioimmunoscintigraphy.

Kinetic analysis with probability mapping is an objective method of serial image analysis applicable to radioimmunoscintigraphy. The technique is described and subjected to clinical testing by comparing the prediction of biopsy histology from the probability map in patients coming to operation. In those with ovarian cancer undergoing second-look laparotomy after completing full courses of chemotherapy, the prediction of histology in 108 biopsy sites was 45 true positives and 38 true negatives, sensitivity 80%, specificity 73%, accuracy 77% p less than 0.001. In patients with tumors less than 2 cm diameter, 41 biopsy sites were predicted with a specificity of 78% and an accuracy of 76%, p less than 0.01. The technique is reducing the need for second-look laparotomy in patients with subclinical and subradiological disease. Such disease is suitable for intraperitoneal radioimmunotherapy.