Correlation Between Ktrans and Microvessel Density in Different Tumors: A Meta-analysis.

Abstract

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE MRI) is a technique based on the measurement of the signal intensity of the investigated tissue before, during, and after administration of an intravenous contrast agent. DCE MRI parameters can reflect tumor angiogenesis and, therefore, can provide information about tumor behavior. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to analyze the reported data regarding associations between Ktrans (volume transfer constant) and microvessel density (MVD) in different tumors. For this meta-analysis the MEDLINE library was screened for associations between Ktrans and MVD in different tumors up to July 2017. After thorough reviewing, the present analysis included 16 studies. The following data were extracted from the literature: authors, year of publication, number of patients, tumor type, MR scanners, study design, and correlation coefficients. The identified correlation coefficients ranged from -0.65 to 0.75. The calculated pooled correlation coefficient was 0.23 (95%CI=0.07-0.38). Furthermore, correlation coefficients for every tumor entity were calculated: rectal cancer: ρ=-0.07 (95%CI=-0.56-0.43); prostatic cancer: ρ=0.08 (95%CI=-0.06-0.23); glioma: ρ=0.70 (95%CI=0.64-0.75). Our meta-analysis showed different correlations between Ktrans and MVD in several tumors.