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Morphological MRI features as prognostic indicators in brain metastases.
Beatriz Ocaña-Tienda1, Julián Pérez-Beteta2, Ana Ortiz de Mendivil3
1Mathematical Oncology Laboratory (MOLAB), University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain. Beatriz.Ocana@uclm.es.
Summary
Predicting brain metastases recurrence after stereotactic radiotherapy is crucial. Morphological features on follow-up MRI, including volume changes and necrosis, can identify high-risk patients for personalized treatment.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Stereotactic radiotherapy is a primary treatment for limited brain metastases (BMs).
- Recurrence of BMs after treatment remains a clinical challenge.
- Identifying patients at high risk for recurrence is essential for treatment optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify patients at higher risk of treatment failure after stereotactic radiotherapy for brain metastases.
- To discover imaging biomarkers for predicting recurrence.
- To aid in adjusting treatment strategies and preventing recurrence.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective multicenter study analyzing morphological features from contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR images.
- Utilized Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox analysis.
- Evaluated total/necrotic volumes, surface regularity, CE rim width, and non-morphological variables.
Main Results:
- No baseline variables at diagnosis showed prognostic value.
- Morphological features on first follow-up MRI, including total/necrotic volumes and CE rim width, are predictive biomarkers for recurrence.
- Combining changes in tumor volume with necrosis status significantly improved classification accuracy (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Interpretable morphological features from routine post-irradiation MR images have prognostic significance for brain metastases.
- These imaging biomarkers offer valuable insights for developing personalized treatment strategies.
- The findings support proactive management for patients identified as high-risk for recurrence.
