Assessment of tumor response by computed tomography liver volumetry

The volumes of hepatic tumors were calculated before and after therapy in 12 patients. The results were compared with clinical response, radionuclide scans, and initial qualitative computed tomography (CT) reports. A strong correlation was found between tumor volume determination and clinical response (9 of 12 patients). In only 4 of 10 patients did radionuclide scans agree with clinical response; the initial qualitative CT report disagreed with clinical response and quantitative CT response in four patients. Quantitative CT measurement was more accurate than qualitative CT evaluation and thus should be refined to offer a clinically useful addition to CT evaluation.