In vivo MR spectroscopy predicts high tumor grade in endometrial cancer

• Published in: Acta radiologica (1987) 2018-04, Vol.59 (4), p.497-505
• Main Authors: Ytre-Hauge, Sigmund, Esmaeili, Morteza, Sjøbakk, Torill E, Grüner, Renate, Woie, Kathrine, Werner, Henrica M, Krakstad, Camilla, Bjørge, Line, Salvesen, Øyvind O, Stefansson, Ingunn M, Trovik, Jone, Bathen, Tone F, Haldorsen, Ingfrid S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0284-1851; 1600-0455
• DOI: 10.1177/0284185117733297

Background In vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) enables non-invasive measurements of tumor metabolites. Choline-containing metabolites play a key role in tumor metabolism. Purpose To explore whether preoperative MRS-derived tumor choline levels are associated with clinical and histological features in endometrial carcinomas. Material and Methods Preoperative pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (1.5T), including structural and diffusion-weighted imaging and localized multivoxel proton MR (1H-MR) spectroscopy, was performed in 77 prospectively included patients with histologically confirmed endometrial carcinomas. Relative levels of total choline-containing metabolites (tCho) in tumor and myometrium were measured using the ratios: tCho/Creatine; tCho/Water; and tCho/Noise. MRS parameters were analyzed in relation to histological subtype and grade, surgicopathological staging parameters, MRI-measured tumor volume, and tumor apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and clinical outcome. Results Tumor tissue had significantly higher ratios for tCho/Creatine, tCho/Water, and tCho/Noise than normal myometrial tissue (P