Enhancing fraction measured using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI predicts disease-free survival in patients with carcinoma of the cervix

BACKGROUND: There is a need for simple imaging parameters capable of predicting therapeutic outcome. METHODS: This retrospective study analysed 50 patients with locally advanced carcinoma of the cervix who underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI before receiving potentially curative radiotherapy. The proportion of enhancing pixels (E(F)) in the whole-tumour volume post-contrast agent injection was calculated and assessed in relation to disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS: Tumours with high EF had a significantly poorer probability of DFS than those with low E(F) (P = 0.011). INTERPRETATION: EF is a simple imaging biomarker that should be studied further in a multi-centre setting. British Journal of Cancer (2010) 102, 23-26. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6605415 www.bjcancer.com Published online 17 November 2009 (C) 2010 Cancer Research UK