Utility of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in predicting treatment response to radiotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer

Motivation: Radiotherapy (RT) is regarded as standard therapy for locally advanced cervical cancer. To date there are no accepted modalities that can reliably predict treatment response. Goal(s): Present study aimed to explore the baseline and interim-ADC as well as change in ADC for predicting treatment outcomes. Approach: 80 patients underwent pelvis MRI at least three times: before treatment, juring the course of RT and after completion of RT. Following values were calculated: Pre-ADC , Interim-ADC, △ADC and △%ADC. Treatment outcome was assessed by RECIST. Results: Pre-treatment tumor size and interim-ADC could be potential biomarkers for predicting treatment outcomes in cervical cancer patients referred for RT. Impact: The results of present study can evaluate the early efficacy of RT, in order to allow for the timely adjustment of treatment plans, improve the efficacy and prognosis, and provide a reference for the clinical individualized treatment of cervical cancer.