DCE-MRI-Derived Volume Transfer Constant (K^trans) and DWI Apparent Diffusion Coefficient as Predictive Markers of Short- and Long-Term Efficacy of Chemoradiotherapy in Patients With Esophageal Cancer

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate both the short- and long-term efficacies of chemoradiotherapy in relation to the treatment of esophageal cancer . This was achieved through the use of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging–derived volume transfer constant and diffusion weighted imaging–derived apparent diffusion coefficient . Patients with esophageal cancer were assigned into the sensitive and resistant groups based on respective efficacies in chemoradiotherapy. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion weighted imaging were used to measure volume transfer constant and apparent diffusion coefficient, while computed tomography was used to calculate tumor size reduction rate. Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to analyze correlation between volume transfer constant, apparent diffusion coefficient, and the tumor size reduction rate. Receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to analyze the short-term efficacy of volume transfer constant and apparent diffusion coefficient, while Kaplan-Meier curve was employed for survival rate analysis. Cox proportional hazard model was used for the risk factors for prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer. Our results indicated reduced levels of volume transfer constant, while increased levels were observed in ADCmin, ADCmean, and ADCmax following chemoradiotherapy. A negative correlation was determined between ADCmin, ADCmean, and ADCmax, as well as in the tumor size reduction rate prior to chemoradiotherapy, whereas a positive correlation was uncovered postchemoradiotherapy. Volume transfer constant was positively correlated with tumor size reduction rate both before and after chemoradiotherapy. The 5-year survival rate of patients with esophageal cancer having high ADCmin, ADCmean, and ADCmax and volume transfer constant before chemoradiotherapy was greater than those with respectively lower values. According to the Cox proportional hazard model, ADCmean, clinical stage, degree of differentiation, and tumor stage were all confirmed as being independent risk factors in regard to the prognosis of patients with EC. The findings of this study provide evidence suggesting that volume transfer constant and apparent diffusion coefficient as being tools allowing for the evaluation of both the short- and long-term efficacies of chemoradiotherapy esophageal cancer treatment.

DCE‐MRI for early evaluation of therapeutic response in esophageal cancer after concurrent chemoradiotherapy and its values in predicting HIF‐1α expression

“…Moreover, higher pre-ktrans in the HIF-1α(À) may reflect a better treatment response compared with the HIF-1α(+), according to the above early response evaluation and previous studies. 35 Inevitably, there were several limitations in this study. First, the sample size was relatively small, and a larger sample is necessary in further studies.…”

A nanomicelle with miR-34a and doxorubicin reverses the drug resistance of cisplatin in esophageal carcinoma cells by inhibiting SIRT1 signal pathway

“…EC is a common digestive tract cancer that occurs among the elderly, with the mortality rate of EC in China being the highest in the world. Chemotherapy is the first choice for the treatment of EC ( 22 ). However, many factors may impact the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy drugs, such as the p53 background and the efficiency of drug delivery ( 23 ).…”

Predictive Value of Early Response to Chemoradiotherapy in Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging

“…Previous studies have reported that ADC has the potential value in early predicting or evaluating the therapeutic effect of CRT for esophageal cancer. 4 - 6 This study was designed to investigate the value of ADC in early predicting or evaluating the therapeutic effect of CRT for esophageal cancer.…”