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 E F had a significantly poorer probability of DFS than those with low E F (P0.011).Interpretation:E F is a simple imaging biomarker that should be studied further in a multi-centre setting. © 2010 Cancer Research UK All rights reserved.