BREAST-CARCINOMA - MEASUREMENT OF TUMOR RESPONSE TO PRIMARY MEDICAL THERAPY WITH COLOR DOPPLER FLOW IMAGING

PURPOSE: To assess the ability of color Doppler flow imaging to help e valuate the response of breast cancer to medical therapy. MATERIALS AN D METHODS: Thirty-four patients with large or centrally located breast carcinomas were studied. All tumors had been treated medically. Tumor size was assessed at clinical examination, volume at B-mode ultrasoun d (US), and vascularity at color Doppler flow imaging. The changes see n during the treatment course were cross compared and correlated with final tumor response. RESULTS: In 97 of the 126 treatment cycles (77%) , changes in vascularity were concordant with changes in the size of t he tumors (reduction in the vascularity with response to therapy and a n increase in tumor size with lack of response or progression). Change s seen at color Doppler flow imaging occurred at least 4 weeks before those seen at clinical and B-mode US examination in 40% and 38% of cas es, respectively. Changes in vascularity could be assessed in every pa tient. CONCLUSION: Color Doppler flow imaging can help assess and pred ict the response of breast cancer to medical treatment.