Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (DCE-US) with quantification of tumor perfusion: a new diagnostic tool to evaluate the early effects of antiangiogenic treatment.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (DCE-US) using the contrast agent Sonovue and vascular recognition imaging software is a novel technique that enables the detection of microvessels and quantitative assessment of solid tumor perfusion using raw linear data. Clinical trials have shown that DCE-US can be used to assess the anticancer efficacy of antiangiogenic treatment, for which conventional efficacy criteria based on size are unsuitable. Reduction in tumor vascularization can easily be detected in responders after 1-2 weeks and is correlated with progression-free survival and overall survival. DCE-US is supported by the French Cancer National Institut. This program is currently studying the technique in metastatic breast cancer, melanoma, colon cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and renal cell carcinoma, as well as in primary hepatocellular carcinoma, to establish the optimal perfusion parameters and timing for quantitative anticancer efficacy assessments.