Growth rate of hepatocellular carcinoma: Evaluation with serial computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging

Bachir Taouli, Jeffrey S.K. Goh, Ying Lu, Aliya Qayyum, Benjamin M. Yeh, Raphael B. Merriman, Fergus V. Coakley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

72 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the growth rate of untreated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by calculating tumor volume doubling time (TVDT) on serial computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to predict TVDT based on initial tumor size. Methods: Sixteen untreated HCCs in 11 patients with cirrhosis who underwent serial CT or MRI at our institution were retrospectively identified. Two independent readers recorded bidimensional measurements for all tumors, which were used to determine tumor volume (TV). Growth rate was expressed as TVDT. A mathematic model was used to predict TVDT based on baseline tumor size. Results: Mean baseline and follow-up TVs were 10.5 cm3 (range: 0.7-243.6 cm3) and 22.0 cm3 (range: 2.5-870.8 cm3), respectively. Mean duration of follow-up was 176 days (range: 76-472 days). Mean TVDT was 127 days (95% confidence interval: 80, 203; range: 17.5-541.4 days). Expected TVDT could be expressed as TVDT = 114 × (baseline volume)0.14 (P < 0.002). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest a preferred interval follow-up of approximately 4.5 months (127 days) for HCC screening. Small HCCs show a tendency toward faster growth and may require shorter follow-up to demonstrate progression.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)425-429
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of computer assisted tomography
Volume29
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005

Keywords

  • Liver neoplasms, computed tomography
  • Liver neoplasms, magnetic resonance imaging
  • Liver, cirrhosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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