Angiogenesis of cancer of the cervix. Contrast-enhanced dynamic MRT, histological quantification of capillary density and lymph system infiltration

Purpose: It was the aim of this project to examine (i) the relationships between contrast-enhanced dynamic MR imaging derived characteristics and histologic microvessel density counts – a recognized surrogate of tumor angiogenesis – from tumors in patients with primary or recurrent cancer of the uterine cervix, and (ii) to correlate these parameters with lymphatic involvement (i. e. lymphatic channels) to assess tumorbiological aggressiveness in terms of lymphatic spread. Materials and methods: Pharmacokinetic MR imaging parameters (amplitude A, exchange rate constant k 21) were derived from contrast-enhanced dynamic MR imaging in thirty-three patients with biopsy proven cancer of the uteri…