Functional imaging to predict tumor response in locally advanced cervical cancer

Worldwide, cervical cancer is the third commonest cancer. Prognostic factors for cervical cancer include tumor size, histological subtype, histological grade, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, nodal status and performance status. However these known parameters are not sufficient to accurately predict treatment response or prognosis. There is a clinical need for noninvasive prognostic biomarkers to provide more detailed tumor characterization at the baseline and/or early during therapy, which may permit personalized treatment and potentially improve outcomes. Functional imaging techniques have been developing rapidly over the past decade. Imaging parameters derived from PET/CT and functional MRI techniques are emerging as promising response biomarkers. This review details the current evidence and future potential of functional imaging to predict tumor response in locally advanced cervical carcinoma.