Table 2 Pre-therapy DCE-MRI studies in cervical cancer and key outcomes

Mayr et al 2010 [31]

98

Semi-quantitative RSI throughout treatment

● Persistent low perfusion associated with poor prognosis

● Low perfusion which converts to high perfusion during treatment associated with favourable response.

Zahra et al 2009 [19]

13

Semi-quantitative and quantitative. Assessed at 3 time points, pre treatment, after 2 weeks of EBRT and in the last week of EBRT

● semi quantitative and quantitative DCE-MRI parameters correlate significantly with tumour regression at the end of EBRT.

● Tumors with early peak SI, steeper slope for the TSI curve, and higher values for CER, Ktrans, and kep had more significant tumor regression and response to therapy

Mayr et al 1996 [21]

17

Semi-quantitative pre treatment and at 2 weeks EBRT.

● High pre-treatment SI and steeper slope on TSI curve correlated with lower incidence of local recurrence

● High perfusion early in therapy is a favourable prognostic factor.

Yuh et al 2009 [32]

101

Semi-quantitative volume and perfusion in MRIs at 3 time points

● Tumor volume, mean SI, and SI% showed significant prediction of the long-term clinical outcome

Gong et al 1999 [33]

7

Semi-quantitative pre-treatment and at 2 weeks

● Mean and peak enhancement correlated with tumour regression

Yamashita et al 2000 [1]

36

Semi-quantitative

● Tumours with homogenous contrast enhancement correlated with good responders and poorly enhancing tumours with poor responders