Imaging Evaluation of Peritoneal Metastasis: Current and Promising Techniques

Area of Science:

• Medical imaging
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Peritoneal metastasis (PM) diagnosis requires accurate assessment for treatment and surgical planning.
• Current imaging methods (CT, MRI, PET/CT) have limitations in detecting and characterizing PM.
• Novel imaging techniques and molecular agents are emerging to address these diagnostic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of advanced imaging techniques in the early diagnosis, assessment, and monitoring of peritoneal metastasis.
• To discuss the potential of radiomics and artificial intelligence (AI) in predicting PM occurrence, recurrence, and prognosis.
• To highlight new imaging strategies including spectral photon-counting CT, FAPI PET/CT, near-infrared fluorescence imaging, and PET/MRI.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on imaging modalities for peritoneal metastasis.
• Discussion of emerging techniques: spectral photon-counting CT, FAPI PET/CT, near-infrared fluorescence imaging, PET/MRI.
• Exploration of radiomics and AI applications in analyzing high-dimensional imaging data.

Main Results:

• New imaging strategies show promise for early PM diagnosis and improved surgical guidance.
• Radiomics and AI can potentially predict PM occurrence, recurrence, and prognosis, aiding clinical decision-making.
• Fluorescence imaging, radiomics, and AI offer enhanced visualization and data analysis for PM management.

Conclusions:

• Advanced imaging techniques and AI are transforming the management of peritoneal metastasis.
• These innovations facilitate earlier diagnosis, precise surgical intervention, and effective recurrence monitoring.
• Further research and clinical integration of these technologies are essential for optimizing patient outcomes.