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World Journal of Oncology

Original Article

Volume 9, Number 3, June 2018, pages 74-79

Analysis of Risk Factors for Lymphatic Metastasis in Endometrial Carcinoma and Utility of Three-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Gynecology

Some well-known risk factors for retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer include histologic grade, myometrial invasion, volume index, and serum CA125 levels. Of these, tumor volume has been reported to be one of the risk factors of pelvic/para-aortic lymph node metastasis [1]. Conventionally, tumor volume has been estimated from cross-sectional area, which is calculated as the product of the longest diameter and longest perpendicular diameter. However, in the present study we calculated tumor volume in endometrial carcinoma using three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (3D-MRI) with AqariasNet Surver 4G software.

Although there have been many reports regarding the utility of 3D-compted tomography (CT) in gynecologic fields [2], there are very few that investigate the utility of 3D-MRI. Associated with lymphatic metastasis and 3D-CT the utility has been reported in other fields [3, 4]. MRI has been reported to have many advantages in pelvic evaluation [5-8]. We expect that by using 3D-MRI reconstructions more complete visualization and evaluation of the pelvis were possible, and examined the usefulness of 3D-MRI in gynecological fields in this article. We hypothesize that 3D-MRI is equivalent or more compared to 3D-CT in pelvic reconstructions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the utility of 3D-MRI in gynecologic fields. We examined the relation between tumor volume measured with 3D-MRI and retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis in patients with endometrial carcinoma.

The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the university, and written informed consent was taken from all patients. Between April 2011 and April 2016, 84 patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma underwent hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with pelvic/para-aortic lymphadenectomy in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University. Of those 84 patients with endometrial cancer, we selected 59 patients whose preoperative MRI had been performed in our institution and could be applied to the software, AqariusNET Server 4G. We excluded 25 patients who did not apply to the above. Of these, the tumor volume of 59 patients could be calculated using 3D-MRI.Pelvic lymphadenectomy had been performed in 33 patients, and pelvic + paraaortic lymphadenectomy in 26 patients.

Age, serum CA125 level, preoperative histologic type and grade, and MRI finding of depth of uterine wall of tumors were examined in relation to pelvic/para-aortic lymph node metastasis as preoperative risk factors. In addition, the tumor volume of 59 patients could be calculated using 3D-MRI. Associated with preoperative histologic type and grade, endometrioid carcinoma grade1, grade 2, grade3 were indicated G1, G2, G3 respectively, and non-endometrioid carcinoma including serous carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma was indicated others. Associated with depth of the uterine wall of tumors, less than one half or more of the myometrial invasion diagnosed by MRI were examined. Added to those, postoperative diagnosis of histologic type and depth of the uterine wall were examined with pathological specimen. The frequencies of upgrade and upstaging were also analyzed. All pathological sections were analyzed by a highly qualified pathologist who was a board certified by the Japanese Society of Pathology.

Tumor volume measurements were calculated using 3D-MRI with AqariusNET Server 4G software. Acquired MRI images were transferred to the software, which allowed for 3D views (Fig. 1) and volumetry. The tumor margins were determined from T2-weghted images or T1-weighted images enhanced by gadolinium, which showed tumor lesions more clearly. The first step for calculating the tumor volume is outlining the border of the tumors; we put region of interest (ROI) at the tumor manually. Using the volumetry function within the software, the outlined tumors are cored out, integrated, and the tumor volume is automatically calculated (Fig. 2). MRI finding of tumors were often varied, and there were some cases in which the tumors had necrosis or unclear boarder. In those cases we took the parts of tumors which were enhanced by gadolinium clearly. Under the direction of one expert radiologist with more than 20 years’ of experience, MRI findings were examined by one gynecologic oncologist with more than 10 years’ of experience. They were not involved in the clinical care. We performed ROI measurement twice with each case and took average of them. MR imaging was obtained on a 3Tesra system (Magnetom Verio, Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany) with 32-element body array coil. The protocol of our routine MR examination was as follows; T2WI (sagittal) (TSE: TR/TE = 4000/89, Matrix = 512/307, FOV = 200 × 200, ETL = 19, slice thickness = 3 mm), T1WI (axial) (SE: TR/TE = 450/12, Matrix = 320/192, FOV = 200 × 200, slice thickness = 3 mm), T2WI (axial) (SPACE: TR/TE = 2700/287, Matrix = 256/256, FOV = 250 × 250, slice thickness = 1.0 mm, flip angle mode = T2 var), HASTE (coronal)(TR/TE = 2000/88, Matrix = 320/240, FOV = 280 × 280, slice thickness = 5 mm). All cases underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI with a dose of 10mL of meglumine gadopentetate (Magnevist®; Bayer, Germany), that was injected with an automated injector at a rate of 2 mL/s and followed by a 20mL saline flush. Dynamic MRI was performed at three continuous fat saturated T1 weighted images (axial) (VIBE: TR/TE = 3.74/1.38, FA = 11, Matrix = 256/256, FOV = 250 × 200, slice thickness = 1.0 mm) in 60, 120, 180 s after injection. These diagnostic imaging modalities are acceptable for excluding the possibility of malignancy before surgery and choosing appropriate treatment option.

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Figure 1. Using 3D-MRI reconstructions complete visualization of the pelvis is possible.

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Figure 2. The border of tumors is outlined and the outlined tumors are cored out, integrated, and the tumor volume is automatically calculated using the volumetry function.

Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate univariate and independent multivariate associations between the various preoperative risk factors and pelvic/para-aortic lymph node metastasis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the best cut-off points for serum CA125 levels and tumor volume to predict lymph metastasis. Analyses were performed using commercially available software packages (SPSS for Windows version 17.0 and Medcalc for Windows version 11.4.2.0). Values of P < 0.05 were deemed to indicate statistical significance.

Table 1 shows the clinicopathologic characteristics of 59 patients with endometrial cancer and the preoperative histologic type. The mean age was 61.6 years. Preoperatively, 66% (39 of 59) were diagnosed as G1 and G2 cases and 5% (three of 59) of these were upgraded to G3 adenocarcinoma or others after surgery (Table 2). Cases of less than one half the myometrial invasion diagnosed by MRI were 57.6% (34 of 59). The 3D-MRI showed a sensitivity of 82.1% for preoperative diagnosis, a specificity of 93.5%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 88.1% associated with myometrial invasion of the tumors (Table 3). The mean CA125 value and tumor volume were 51.6 (IU/L) and 11.6 (cm³), respectively. Lymphatic metastasis occurred in 16.0% (10 of 59) patients. Of those 10 cases, pelvic lymphatic metastasis was observed in four cases, paraaortic lymphatic metastasis was in three cases and both of them were in three cases.

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Table 1. Clinicopathologic Features of 59 Patients With Endometrial Adenocarcinoma

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Table 2. Evaluation of Histologic Grade

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Table 3. Evaluation of Myometrial Invasion

ROC analysis was used to determine potential cut-off values of CA-125 level and tumor volume for prediction of lymphatic metastasis (Fig. 3, 4). For CA125 level the cut-off value was 29 IU/L (area under the curve (AUC) 0.7062, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.5224 - 0.8901), which demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 0.744 and 0.821, respectively. The cut-off value of the tumor volume was 12.79 cm³. (AUC 0.7933, 95% CI: 0.6685 - 0.9193), which demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 0.821 and 0.744, respectively.

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Figure 3. Receiver operating curve to determine potential values of tumor volume for prediction of lymphatic metastasis.

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Figure 4. Receiver operating curve to determine potential values of CA125 level for prediction of lymphatic metastasis.

Table 4 shows the regression analysis between the preoperative factors and lymphatic metastasis in endometrial adenocarcinoma. Univariate analysis indicated that a high serum CA125 level (≥ 29) and a tumor volume of ≥ 12.79 were risk factors (P value = 0.0111, 0.0123 respectively). Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that tumor volume of ≥ 12.79 was an independent risk factor for lymphatic metastasis (HR 12.7, 95% CI 1.06 - 154, P value = 0.04).

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Table 4. Correlation Between the Preoperative Risk Factors and Lymphatic Metastasis

We examined the preoperative risk factors for pelvic/para-aortic lymph node metastasis in endometrial carcinoma. Our results suggest that serum CA125 levels and tumor volume calculated using 3D-MRI correlated with retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis. Tumor volume, in particular, was strongly associated with lymph node metastasis (Table 4). It has been reported that elevations in serum CA125 level are strongly associated with advanced surgical stage, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis [8, 9]. In the present study, only univariate analyses indicated that CA125 level (< 29, (≥ 29)) was a risk factor. Yidiz et al reported that high CA125 levels significantly correlated with advanced stage and lymph node metastases in endometrial carcinoma [10]. In their study, the ROC curve determined that the best cut-off value was 20 U/mL with a sensitivity and specificity of 75% and 69.51%, respectively, and a positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 80.6% and 84.9%, respectively. While they concluded that CA125 appeared to be a significant independent predictor of the advanced stage of the disease as well as lymph node metastases, more studies are needed to establish the appropriate cut-off level for serum CA125.

Todo et al reported the utility of the tumor volume index to stratify the risk for lymph node metastasis in endometrial carcinoma [1]. They concluded that the tumor volume index in endometrial carcinoma was an independent risk factor for pelvic/para-aortic lymph node metastasis. In their study they defined the volume index as the product of maximum longitudinal, anteroposterior, and horizontal diameter. In contrast to their study we calculated tumor volume by integral using the software, AqueriasNet Surver 4G. Our novel method is new and superior for calculating tumor volume, theoretically. In endometrial carcinoma as well as other types of tumors, volume has been related to lymph metastasis and prognosis. Joo YH et al reported that, in oral tongue cancer, tumor volume larger than 20 cm³ was associated with a greater risk of cervical lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis [11]. Fu et al reported positive correlations between tumor volume and the presence of nodal metastasis [12]. They concluded that tumor volume (>10 mL) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a potential indication for neck irradiation.

The effectiveness of 3D-MRI has been reported, particularly for MRI supported by 3D-MRI reconstructions for complete visualization of the pelvis [13-16]. Giusti et al investigated anatomical localization of deep infiltrating endometriosis. They concluded that the addition of 3D-MRI reconstructions improved diagnostic accuracy and staging of endometriosis [17]. Chen et al measured breast density using 3D-MRI and correlated it with endogenous hormone levels during menstrual cycle [18]. They used a semiautomatic computer-based algorithm for the segmentation of the breast region and the fibroglandular tissue and calculated breast density. We used a similar algorithm in the present study. 3D-MRI is likely to be very useful and applicable to many gynecologic fields.

Although it would be important to demonstrate a correlation between lymphatic metastasis and tumor volumes for the purpose of predicting a preoperative risk factor, in the present study we did not compare tumor volumes with surgical specimens. In fact, there are few studies that compare tumor volumes from different imaging modalities with those of surgical specimens. However, to calculate the volume of surgical specimens, the whole-mount serial section technique has been reported, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and laryngeal cancer [19-21]. Zhang et al compared cervical cancer tumor volume using MRI, CT, and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose position emission tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET) with that of surgical specimens [22]. They concluded that PET-based tumor volume was the most accurate method of the three imaging modalities, but MRI provided a better visualization of larger tumors.

It appears that 3D volumetric methods should be more accurate than 2D methods for determining tumor size. The main advantage of using a 3D volumetric method is that it allows more accurate measurements of irregular tumors. Mei-Yun Wang et al reported the usefulness of 3D-MRI in calculating tumor volumes of adult glioblastoma, particularly because cystic components can easily be excluded from the volume analysis [23].

There are several limitations to the present study. First, the subject number is small, which may not be sufficient to observe a strong association. Second, because subjects were limited, retroperitoneal lymphatic metastasis included both pelvic and para aortic lymph nodes, which would normally be dealt with separately. Third, volume measurement using 3D-MRI is very time consuming to perform, which makes it difficult as a routine method; and other types of evaluation of tumor volume are needed to assess the accuracy of 3D-MRI. Fourth, it was a retrospective study, and there may have some selection bias. Further, preferably prospective studies are needed. It would be necessary to increase cases, set a more accurate cut-off level of tumor volume, and examine the values prospectively.

In conclusion, preoperative CA125 level in combination with the measurement of tumor volume using 3D-MRI were significant for predicting lymphatic metastasis. When used together, these predictive may allow clinicians to stratify patients that need lymphadenectomy in the early stages of uterine endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Although the optimal cut-off levels vary to some extent, elevated CA125 levels and large tumor volumes in patients with apparent early-stage disease place them in a higher risk category for the presence of extra-uterine disease.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declared no conflict of interest.

Author Contributions

Yasuhito Tanase: data collection and writing; Junko Takahama: analysis of MRI; Ryuji Kawaguchi: data analysis; Hiroshi Kobayashi: original proposer and proof.

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