MRI-based volumetric tumor parameters before and during chemoradiation predict tumor recurrence and patient survival in locally advanced cervical cancer: a subgroup analysis of a phase II prospective trial

Int J Clin Oncol. 2024 May;29(5):620-628. doi: 10.1007/s10147-024-02490-7. Epub 2024 Mar 26.

Abstract

Background: This subgroup analysis of a prospective phase II trial aimed to identify valuable and accessible prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC).

Methods: Patients with FIGO II to IVA cervical cancer were assessed in this study. All patients underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) followed by brachytherapy. Tumor parameters based on MRI scans before and during CCRT were evaluated for Overall survival (OS) and Progression-free survival (PFS).

Results: A total of 86 patients were included in this analysis with a median follow-up period of 31.7 months. Three-year OS and PFS rates for all patients were 87.1% and 76.5%, respectively. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that restaging tumor size (rTS) over 2.55 cm (p < 0.001), initial tumor volume (iTV) over 55.99 cc (p < 0.001), downstaging (p = 0.042), and restaging tumor volume (rTV) over 6.25 cc (p = 0.006) were significantly associated with OS. rTS (p < 0.001), iTV (p < 0.001), downstaging (p = 0.027), and rTV (p < 0.001) were identified as significant prognostic factors for PFS. In the stepwise multivariable analysis, only rTS > 2.55 cm showed statistically significant with OS (HR: 5.47, 95% CI 1.80-9.58, p = 0.035) and PFS (HR: 3.83, 95% CI 1.50-11.45; p = 0.025).

Conclusions: Initial tumor size and restaging tumor volume that are easily accessible during radiotherapy provide valuable prognostic information for cervical cancer. MRI-based measurable volumetric scoring system can be readily applied in real-world practice of cervical cancer.

Clinical trial information: This study is a subgroup analysis of prospective trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02993653.

Keywords: Cervical cancer; Prediction; Prognostic factors; Tumor size; Tumor volume.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brachytherapy
  • Chemoradiotherapy* / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local* / pathology
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Prognosis
  • Progression-Free Survival
  • Prospective Studies
  • Tumor Burden
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms* / mortality
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms* / therapy

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02993653