Towards precision MRI biomarkers in epilepsy with normative modelling

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Medical Imaging
• Precision Medicine

Background:

• Epilepsy exhibits significant clinical heterogeneity, necessitating personalized treatment approaches.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has advanced epilepsy care, especially for refractory focal epilepsy.
• Developing precise biomarkers is crucial for tailoring epilepsy treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of advanced neuroimaging, particularly MRI, for precision medicine in epilepsy.
• To advocate for normative modeling frameworks to generate robust, quantitative MRI biomarkers.
• To provide recommendations for identifying and implementing diagnostic and predictive imaging biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on neuroimaging in epilepsy.
• Discussion of advanced MRI techniques and their application in epileptology.
• Exploration of normative modeling as a framework for biomarker development.

Main Results:

• Advanced MRI techniques offer significant potential for precision medicine in epilepsy.
• Normative modeling frameworks are proposed as a key strategy for developing quantitative MRI biomarkers.
• Challenges exist in translating cutting-edge neuroimaging tools into routine clinical practice.

Conclusions:

• Quantitative MRI biomarkers derived from normative modeling are essential for personalized epilepsy care.
• Implementation of these biomarkers requires careful research design and clinical application strategies.
• Precision biomarkers will be pivotal in advancing personalized medicine for epilepsy patients.