The correlation between the cell density of local advanced lung cancer tumor and the ADC value of 3.0 T MRI diffusion weighted imaging

Objective To investigate the correlation between tumorous cellular density (TCD) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of 3.0 T magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in local advanced lung cancer. Methods From January 2015 to December 2017, a total of 59 patients with locally advanced lung cancer confirmed by pathology in Shaoxing People′s Hospital who underwent DWI by 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging were included.The ADC and TCD values of tumor were measured. The difference and correlation between ADC value and TCD in lung cancer were analyzed. Results Among 59 lung cancer cases who were examined with DWI, 45 cases of TCD were obtained. Statistical analysis showed that the ADC value of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) was significantly higher than that of squamous cell carcinoma (P=0.011)and adenocarcinoma (P=0.004). TCD of small cell carcinoma was significantly higher than that of squamous cell carcinoma (P=0.007) and adenocarcinoma (P 0.05). There was negative correlation between the ADC value and TCD in lung cancer (P=0.001, r=-0.534). Conclusions DWI is not only beneficial to distinguish SCLC from squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, but also can indirectly reflect the tumorous cellular density.It can provide a basis for monitoring the therapeutic effect of clinical lung cancer. Key words: Magnetic resonance imaging; Lung neoplasms; Cell count