The value of DWI in predicting the response to synchronous radiochemotherapy for advanced cervical carcinoma: comparison among three mathematical models

Background Diffusion weighted imaging ( DWI) mode mainly includes intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), stretched exponential model (SEM) and Gaussian diffusion model, but it is still unclear which mode is the most valuable in predicting the response to radiochemotherapy for cervical cancer. This study aims to compare the values of three mathematical models in predicting the response to synchronous radiochemotherapy for cervical cancer. Methods Eighty-four patients with cervical cancer were enrolled into this study. They underwent DWI examination by using 12 b-values prior to treatment. The imaging parameters were calculated on the basis of IVIM, SEM and Gaussian diffusion models respectively. The imaging parameters derived from three mathematical modes were compared between responders and non-responders groups. The repeatability of each imaging parameter was assessed. Results The ADC, D or DDC value was lower in responders than in non-responders groups ( P = 0.03, 0.02, 0.01). The α value was higher in responders group than in non-responders group ( P = 0.03). DDC had the largest area under curves (AUC) (=0.948) in predicting the response to treatment. The imaging parameters derived from SEM had better repeatability (CCC for DDC and α were 0.969 and 0.924 respectively) than that derived from other exponential models. Conclusion Three exponential modes of DWI are useful for predicting the response to radiochemotherapy for cervical cancer, and SEM may be used as a potential optimal model for predicting treatment effect.