Comparison of CT Volumetry and RECIST to Predict the Treatment Response and Overall Survival in Gastric Cancer Liver Metastases

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the diameter and volume of liver metastases on CT images in relation to overall survival and tumor response in patients with gastric cancer liver metastases (GCLM) treated with chemotherapy. Materials and Methods We recruited 43 patients with GCLM who underwent chemotherapy as a first-line treatment. We performed a three-dimensional quantification of the metastases for each patient. An independent survival analysis using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) was performed and compared to volumetric measurements. Overall survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared using Cox proportional hazard ratios following univariate analyses. Results When patients were classified as responders or non-responders based on volumetric criteria, the median overall survival was 23.6 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 8.63–38.57] and 7.6 months (95% CI, 3.78–11.42), respectively (p = 0.039). The volumetric analysis and RECIST of the non-progressing and progressing groups showed similar results based on the Kaplan- Meier method (p = 0.006) and the Cox proportional hazard model (p = 0.008). Conclusion Volumetric assessment of liver metastases could be an alternative predictor of overall survival for patients with GCLM treated with chemotherapy.

Keywords

• gastric cancer
• liver neoplasm
• chemotherapy
• survival