Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers in head and neck cancer: Potential to guide treatment? A systematic review

SummaryDynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) generates microvascular parameters from the tracer kinetic analysis of a series of MRI images obtained in under 15 min. DCE-MRI parameters are associated with tumour hypoxia, which is well-established as a cause of treatment failure in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A systematic review was conducted of prospective DCE-MRI parameter studies in HNSCC in the English language literature. Exclusion criteria were case reports and retrospective series. Six DCE-MRI marker studies in HNSCC met the inclusion criteria. Four studies contained 21–74 patients and two studies recruited 13 and 14 patients. In studies measuring the transfer coefficient (Ktrans), higher overall Ktrans or lower skewness of Ktrans were predictive of a good outcome following chemoradiation. DCE-MRI parameters have the potential to guide treatment in HNSCC. Progress in the field requires standardisation of methods, data sharing and large multi-centre collaborative validation studies.