Relationship between KRAS mutation and diffusion weighted imaging in colorectal liver metastases; Preliminary study

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are common in advanced colorectal cancer.
• Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) gene mutations are key oncogenic drivers influencing treatment response.
• Non-invasive imaging biomarkers are needed to predict molecular status in CRLM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values differ between CRLM with and without KRAS mutations.
• To explore the potential of ADC values as a biomarker for KRAS mutation status in CRLM.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 22 patients with 65 CRLM.
• KRAS gene mutation testing performed on all lesions.
• Comparison of ADC and ADCmean values between KRAS-mutated and wild-type groups using Mann-Whitney U test and ROC analysis.

Main Results:

• ADC and ADCmean values were significantly lower in the KRAS-mutated group compared to the wild-type group.
• ROC analysis showed significant discrimination between groups with AUC values of 0.680 for ADC and 0.760 for ADCmean.
• Identified cut-off values for ADC and ADCmean to differentiate KRAS mutation status.

Conclusions:

• Lower ADC and ADCmean values in CRLM are associated with the presence of KRAS mutations.
• ADC and ADCmean measurements show potential for non-invasively predicting KRAS mutation status in CRLM.
• This finding may aid in personalized treatment strategies for colorectal cancer patients.