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Published on: August 14, 2019
Deep learning-based computed tomography quantification integrated with circulating tumor cells for prognostic
Lujie Li1, Meicheng Chen1, Ji Zhu2
1Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery
|July 11, 2026
Summary
Combining computed tomography (CT) imaging and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) improves risk stratification for early-stage lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). This integrated approach enhances prognostic prediction, particularly for patients with stage IA LUAD.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Prognosis for early-stage lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) varies significantly, even within the same clinical stage.
- Accurate prognostic markers are crucial for tailoring treatment strategies in stage I LUAD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prognostic value of computed tomography (CT) measurements and circulating tumor cells (CTCs).
- To assess the combined prognostic utility of CT-derived metrics and CTCs in clinical stage I LUAD.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 183 patients with stage I peripheral LUAD.
- Preoperative CT measurements (radiologist-measured maximal solid size to tumor ratio - R-MSSA%, deep learning-derived 3D solid volume - 3D-SV, and 3D solid mass - 3D-SM) and CTC detection.
- Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models to identify independent risk factors and compare recurrence/survival rates.
Main Results:
- 3D-SM, 3D-SV, 3D-SM%, and CTCs effectively stratified recurrence risk in stage I LUAD.
- High-risk stage IA patients integrated with CTCs and CT measurements showed worse prognosis than stage IB patients.
- A combined model of 3D-SM and CTCs achieved a higher C-index (0.75) than either marker alone.
Conclusions:
- Integration of CTCs and CT measurements enhances prognostic stratification for early-stage lung cancer.
- This combined approach significantly improves prognosis prediction, especially for stage IA LUAD patients.
