Fabian Hinkmann, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Michael Marcus Lell MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sebastian Lettmaier MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ernst Klotz PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Employee, Siemens AG

Matthias Geiger MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Rainer Fietkau MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Werner A. Bautz MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To quantify changes in tumor perfusion with MDCT of primary head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and lymph node metastases during and after combined radiochemotherapy (RCT) as a prognostic factor of treatment response.

64-MDCT perfusion scan were performed in eight patients with advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the pharynx. All patients were examined before, during (after application of 50 Gy) and after RCT (three and six months). The scan protocol included a non-enhanced scan of the tumor region to define the area for the perfusion measurements. 2.8 cm were covered by the perfusion scan. A biphasic contrast injection protocol was employed; image acquisition started 5 sec after the initiation of the contrast injection. Blood volume, perfusion and permeability values were calculated with dedicated perfusion software.

Hyperperfused areas were detectable on the pre-treatment scans in each tumor. After the first part of RCT we measured a significant (p< 0.05) decrease of perfusion, blood volume and permeability in all primary tumors. This perfusion pattern was stable in the control examinations after three and six months. Lymph nodes showed variable trends during RCT and a significant decrease only for the permeability value in the post treatment scans.

Quantification of tumor perfusion by MDCT showed to be a useful tool to evaluate treatment response of primary neck cancer to RCT.

Perfusion-CT seems to be a promising tool to monitor biological changes in primary neck cancers during and after combined RCT and by this means to evaluate treatment response.

Hinkmann, F, Lell, M, Lettmaier, S, Klotz, E, Geiger, M, Fietkau, R, Bautz, W, et al, , Tumor Perfusion Measured by Dynamic Multislice Detector Computer Tomography in Head and Neck Cancer during and after Combined Radio- and Chemotherapy.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6014120.html