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High Resolution 3D Imaging of Ex-Vivo Biological Samples by Micro CT
Published on: June 21, 2011
Non-small cell lung cancer: histopathologic correlates for texture parameters at CT
Balaji Ganeshan1, Vicky Goh, Henry C Mandeville
1Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, England.
Radiology
|November 22, 2012
Summary
Computed tomographic texture analysis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can predict tumor hypoxia and angiogenesis. These CT texture parameters show potential as imaging biomarkers for these aggressive cancer characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality.
- Tumor hypoxia and angiogenesis are critical factors influencing NSCLC progression and treatment response.
- Accurate non-invasive assessment of these markers is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between computed tomographic (CT) texture features in NSCLC and histopathologic markers of tumor hypoxia and angiogenesis.
- To determine if CT-derived texture parameters can serve as imaging biomarkers for these biological processes.
Main Methods:
- Fourteen NSCLC patients underwent pre-operative CT scans after pimonidazole administration (a hypoxia marker).
- Texture analysis was performed on unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT images using a software algorithm to extract features at different scales.
- Tumor sections were stained for hypoxia (pimonidazole, Glut-1) and angiogenesis (CD34) markers, with assessed staining intensity.
- Linear mixed-effects models were used to correlate CT texture parameters with staining intensity.
Main Results:
- CT texture parameters, specifically standard deviation (SD) and mean value of positive pixels (MPP) from medium to coarse textures on contrast-enhanced CT, significantly correlated with pimonidazole staining intensity.
- Uniformity of distribution of positive gray-level pixel values (UPP) from medium to coarse textures on unenhanced CT showed a significant inverse association with Glut-1 expression.
- MPP from medium to coarse textures on both unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT images demonstrated significant inverse associations with CD34 expression.
Conclusions:
- Texture parameters derived from CT imaging show promise as non-invasive imaging correlates for tumor hypoxia and angiogenesis in NSCLC.
- These findings suggest that CT texture analysis could offer valuable insights into the tumor microenvironment, aiding in treatment planning and prognosis.
