Correlation between Spectral CT Parameters and Ki67 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health concern.
• Ki67 expression is a key biomarker for tumor proliferation and aggressiveness.
• Accurate preoperative assessment of Ki67 is crucial for treatment planning in HCC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between spectral computed tomography (CT) quantitative parameters and Ki67 expression in HCC.
• To determine if spectral CT can non-invasively predict Ki67 levels in HCC tumors.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 19 HCC patients undergoing spectral CT.
• Quantitative parameters including iodine concentration (IC), relative iodine concentration (RIC), and spectral slope (λ) were measured.
• Patients were categorized into high-Ki67 (≥10%) and low-Ki67 (<10%) groups based on postoperative pathology.

Main Results:

• Higher IC, RIC, and λ values were observed in the high-Ki67 group compared to the low-Ki67 group (P < 0.05).
• Significant positive correlations were found between spectral CT parameters (IC, RIC, λ) and Ki67 expression in both arterial and venous phases.
• Arterial-phase RIC showed the highest correlation (0.82) with Ki67 expression.

Conclusions:

• Quantitative spectral CT parameters are significantly correlated with Ki67 expression in HCC.
• Spectral CT offers a potential non-invasive method for assessing tumor proliferation and guiding preoperative clinical decisions in HCC management.