Detection of Loco-regional Invasion of Cervical Cancer With 7 Tesla MRI
Detection of Loco-regional Invasion of Cervical Cancer With 7 Tesla MRI
Background of the study: The accurate assessment of local cervical cancer spread (i.e.
 invasion) is of clinical importance for staging and treatment considerations. For example, if
 parametrial invasion is absent, radical surgery is the treatment of choice for tumors less
 than 4cm in diameter. However, if such invasion is present, the patient has become inoperable
 and (chemo)radiotherapy is warranted. Unfortunately, regular 1.5T MRI as a part of staging
 work-up has a limited accuracy for detecting loco-regional tumor invasion. Due to relatively
 frequent false-negative findings a risk of understaging and under-treatment occurs. For such
 cases adjuvant treatments with (chemo)radiotherapy are indicated after the initial surgery,
 causing increased morbidity and treatment associated risks. For higher stages, with primary
 (chemo)radiotherapy, a more reliable MRI based delineation of local tumor spread could enable
 individualized dose(volume) and field modifications.

 Hypothesis/aim of the study: To develop and in vivo optimize T2w ultra high field (7T) MRI
 sequences, which use a combination of an endorectal and external coil, to image the
 (para)cervical area for assessment of the loco-regional tumor status in cervical cancer.

 Study design: The proposed study is an investigator initiated, single center, prospective
 pilotstudy.

 Study population: 20 patients with histological proven cervical cancer stage IB1, IB2, IIA of
 IIB will be included.

 Primary study parameters/outcome of the study: Optimized T2w ultra high field (7T) MRI
 sequences of the (para)cervical area which allow qualitative assessment of the loco-regional
 invasion of cervical cancer.
See brief summary
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Histologically proven primary malignancy of the cervix uteri;

 -  FIGO stage IB1, IB2, IIA or IIB;

 -  ≥18 years;

 -  Written inform consent provided.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Contra-indications for MRI: Any non-removable electronic or ferromagnetic object
 present in the body; Pregnancy; Severe claustrophobia; Unable to lie still and
 completely horizontal for minimally 45 minutes;

 -  Body weight >150kg;

 -  Any type of neo-adjuvant chemo- and/or radiotherapy for cervical cancer;

 -  Uterine prolapse with C ≥ -6 cm (POP-Q).