Application of 3.0T-MRI DWI in evaluating the efficacy of synchronous radiotherapy and chemotherapy for advanced lung cancer

WANG DANDan; LU Zengxin; ZHAO Li; YANG Liming; LIU Fang; HUANG Yanan

Abstract：Objective To assess the clinical applications of 3.0 T magnetic resonance (MRI) diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in evaluating the efficacy of synchronous radiotherapy and chemotherapy for advanced lung cancer. Methods 59 patients with lung cancer confirmed by biopsy were examined with 3.0 T-MRI DWI. The values of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and tumor cell density (TCD) were measured. We analyzed the ability of DWI to display the lesions of lung cancer and compared the correlation between the ADC value and TCD of lung cancer. Results 59 cases of lung cancer showed obviously high signal on DWI. The mean average ADC of the cancer was (993±170) ×10-6 mm2/s, which was significantly less than the ADC mean of the pectoralis major muscle (1388±148) ×10-6 mm2/s. There was statistically significant difference between the two (P<0.001). There was a difference in the mean value of ADC between non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell carcinoma (SCLC) (P=0.005<0.05). A total of 45 TCD values were obtained. There was a significant statistical difference in TCD between NSCLC and SCLC (P=0.047 < 0.05).There was a negative correlation between the ADC value and pathological TCD of lung cancer (P=0.001, correlation coefficient =-0.534). Conclusion The involvement area of lung cancer can be clearly demonstrated by DWI examination. It is not only beneficial to the differential diagnosis of SCLC and NSCLC, but also can reflect the TCD value of the tumor indirectly theseby providing, reliable basis for monitoring therapeutic effect and prognosis of lung cancer.