Ultrasonic histogram assessment of early response to concurrent chemo-radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer: a feasibility study

Abstract

Purpose: To monitor early response for locally advanced cervical cancers undergoing concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) by ultrasonic histogram.

Methods: B-mode ultrasound examinations were performed at 4 time points in thirty-four patients during CCRT. Six ultrasonic histogram parameters were used to assess the echogenicity, homogeneity and heterogeneity of tumors.

Results: I_peak increased rapidly since the first week after therapy initiation, whereas W_low, W_high and A_high changed significantly at the second week. The average ultrasonic histogram progressively moved toward the right and converted into more symmetrical shape.

Conclusion: Ultrasonic histogram could be served as a potential marker to monitor early response during CCRT.

Keywords: Cervical cancer; Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy; Therapy response; Ultrasonic histogram.