AIM: To explore the diffusion gradient b-factor that optimizes both apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurement and contrast-to-noise (CNR) for assessing tumor response to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in a rabbit model. METHODS: Twelve New Zealand white rabbits bearing VX2 tumors in the liver were treated with TACE. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with various b values was performed using the same protocol before and 3 d after treatment with TACE. ADC values and CNR of each tumor pre-and post-treatment with different b factors were analyzed. Correlation between ADC values and extent of necrosis in histological specimens was analyzed by a Pearson’s correlation test.RESULTS: The quality of diffusion-weighted images diminished as the b value increased. A substantial decrease in the mean lesion-to-liver CNR was observed on both pre-and post-treatment DW images, the largest difference in CNR pre-and post-treatment was manifested at a b value of 1000 s/mm2 (P = 0.036 ). The effect of therapy on diffusion early after treatment was shown by a significant increase in ADCs (P = 0.007), especially with large b factors (≥ 600 s/mm2). The mean percentage of necrotic cells present within the tumor was 76.3%-97.5%. A significant positive correlation was found between ADC values and the extent of necrosis with all b values except for b200, a higher relative coefficient between ADC values and percentage of necrosis was found on DWI with b1000 and b2000 (P= 0.002 and 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSION: An increasing b value of up to 600 s/mm2 would increase ADC contrast pre-and post-treatment, but decrease image quality. Taking into account both CNR and ADC measurement, diffusion-weighted imaging obtained with a b value of 1000 s/mm2 is recommended for monitoring early hepatic tumor response to TACE. AIM: To explore the diffusion gradient b-factor that optimizes both apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurement and contrast-to-noise (CNR) for assessing tumor response to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in a rabbit model. METHODS: Twelve New Zealand white rabbits bearing VX2 tumors in the liver were treated with TACE. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with various b values ​​was performed using the same protocol before and 3 d after treatment with TACE. ADC values ​​and CNR of each tumor pre-and post- Treatment with different b factors were analyzed. Correlation between ADC values ​​and extent of necrosis in histological specimens was analyzed by a Pearson’s correlation test .RESULTS: The quality of diffusion-weighted images diminished as the b value increased. A substantial decrease in the mean lesion -to-liver CNR was observed on both pre-and post-treatment DW images, the largest difference in CNR pre-and post-treatment was manifested at ab value of 1000 s / mm2 (P = 0.036). The e ffect of therapy on diffusion early after treatment was shown by a significant increase in ADCs (P = 0.007), especially with large b factors (> 600 s / mm2). The mean percentage of necrotic cells present within the tumor was 76.3% -97.5 %. A significant positive correlation was found between ADC values ​​and the extent of necrosis with all b values ​​except for b200, a higher relative coefficient between ADC values ​​and percentage of necrosis was found on DWI with b1000 and b2000 (P = 0.002 and 0.006, respectively.) CONCLUSION: An increasing b value of up to 600 s / mm2 would increase ADC contrast pre-and post-treatment, but decrease image quality. Taking into account both CNR and ADC measurement, diffusion-weighted imaging obtained with ab value of 1000 s / mm2 is recommended for monitoring early hepatic tumor response to TACE.