STAGE IIB CERVICAL-CARCINOMA - MR EVALUATION OF EFFECT OF INTRAARTERIAL CHEMOTHERAPY

PURPOSE: To evaluate magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in assessment of tumor response after intraarterial chemotherapy (IAC) in cervical carc inoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images of 19 patients who underwent I AC because of stage IIb cervical carcinoma were prospectively analyzed and compared with pathologic findings. Three courses of IAC were admi nistered, and MR images were obtained before and after treatment. Exte nt of reduction of tumor volume determined eligibility for surgery. MR images of 17 patients who were candidates for surgery were correlated with pathologic specimens. RESULTS: Average reduction in tumor volume was 88.5%. Response to IAC was complete in seven patients, partial in 11, and minor in one. MR imaging findings after IAC correlated well w ith pathologic findings. CONCLUSION: MR imaging is useful in assessmen t of tumor response to IAC and provides criteria for decision making w ith regard to further radiation or surgical therapy.