Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Prediction of Response of Advanced Cervical Cancer to Chemoradiation

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate diffusion-weighted imaging as an early predictor in detection of response to chemoradiation in advanced cervical cancer. Methods: Fourteen advanced cervical cancer patients treated with chemoradiation were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent conventional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging before the start of therapy, after 2 weeks of therapy, and at the completion of therapy. The tumor volumes and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of cervical lesions were measured at each examination. The correlation of ADC values and tumor regression was investigated. Results: The mean ADC value of cervical lesion significantly increased as early as 2 weeks after chemoradiation. The ADC values before therapy did not significantly correlate with tumor response. The ADC values after 2 weeks of therapy did not show a significant correlation with tumor response. The change in ADC values after 2 weeks of therapy correlated with tumor response. Conclusions: Diffusion-weighted imaging may provide an early surrogate biomarker for tumor response in advanced cervical cancers.