Transvaginal colour Doppler ultrasound in predicting response to chemoradiation in patients with carcinoma of the cervix

Abstract

Background: The objective of the study was to evaluate the potential role of transvaginal colour Doppler ultrasound (TVCDUS) in predicting response to chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. Method: TVCDUS was used in 56 patients with histologically proven cervical carcinoma (stage IIA–IIIB) before the start of chemoradiation, and after one and three months of therapy. Resistive index (RI) and pulsatality index (PI) were calculated using TVCDUS. Tumour response to chemotherapy was determined. Complete response was when no residual tumour was found, partial response if the tumour volume decreased by more than 50%, and no response when there was no appreciable change in the size of tumour, or the tumour volume decreased to less than 50% of the original volume. Results: A statistically significant increase in RI and PI was demonstrated with TVCDUS following treatment in patients who had a complete and partial response to chemoradiation, compared to those who had no response. Conclusion: TVCDUS is useful in predicting clinical response to concurrent chemoradiation in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. Thus, it is recommended during the pretreatment evaluation and follow-up.