Response evaluation of chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer by contrast enhanced ultrasound.

Aim: To evaluate whether contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) might also be used for response prediction and early response evaluation in patients receiving bevacizumab based chemotherapy for metastasized colorectal cancer.

Methods: Thirty consecutive patients with non primary resectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer underwent CEUS before treatment (CEUS date 1) and before the second (CEUS date 2) and fourth (CEUS date 3) cycle of bevacizumab based chemotherapy. Three parameters [PEAK, Time to peak (TTP) and RISE RATE]were correlated with radiological response.