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Physics and Imaging in Radiation... Oct 2021Although quantitative image biomarkers (radiomics) show promising value for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment assessment, these biomarkers still lack... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Although quantitative image biomarkers (radiomics) show promising value for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment assessment, these biomarkers still lack reproducibility. In this systematic review, we aimed to assess the progress in radiomics reproducibility and repeatability in the recent years.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
Four hundred fifty-one abstracts were retrieved according to the original PubMed search pattern with the publication dates ranging from 2017/05/01 to 2020/12/01. Each abstract including the keywords was independently screened by four observers. Forty-two full-text articles were selected for further analysis. Patient population data, radiomic feature classes, feature extraction software, image preprocessing, and reproducibility results were extracted from each article. To support the community with a standardized reporting strategy, we propose a specific reporting checklist to evaluate the feasibility to reproduce each study.
RESULTS
Many studies continue to under-report essential reproducibility information: all but one clinical and all but two phantom studies missed to report at least one important item reporting image acquisition. The studies included in this review indicate that all radiomic features are sensitive to image acquisition, reconstruction, tumor segmentation, and interpolation. However, the amount of sensitivity is feature dependent, for instance, textural features were, in general, less robust than statistical features.
CONCLUSIONS
Radiomics repeatability, reproducibility, and reporting quality can substantially be improved regarding feature extraction software and settings, image preprocessing and acquisition, cutoff values for stable feature selection. Our proposed radiomics reporting checklist can serve to simplify and improve the reporting and, eventually, guarantee the possibility to fully replicate and validate radiomic studies.
PubMed: 34816024
DOI: 10.1016/j.phro.2021.10.007 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2023This meta-analysis was dedicated to evaluating the safety and effectiveness of indocyanine green (ICG) -mediated fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI) technology in liver...
BACKGROUND
This meta-analysis was dedicated to evaluating the safety and effectiveness of indocyanine green (ICG) -mediated fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI) technology in liver tumors resection.
METHODS
A literature search of PubMed, Embase databases, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was performed to identify all clinical controlled studies exploring the effects of fluorescence imaging on liver tumors resection. Quality assessment and data extraction of studies were conducted independently by 3 reviewers. Mean difference (MD) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a fixed-effects or random-effects model. The meta-analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3 software.
RESULTS
14 retrospective cohort studies (RCSs) involving a total of 1227 patients were finally included. The results showed that Fluorescence-assisted liver tumors resection could improve the R0 resection rate (OR = 2.63; 95% CI: 1.46~4.73, = 0.001), reduce overall complications (OR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.44~0.97, = 0.04), biliary fistula (OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.05~0.77, = 0.02), intraoperative blood loss (MD = -70.76, 95% CI: -106.11 to -35.41; < 0.0001), and shortens hospital stay (MD = -1.41, 95% CI: -1.90 to -0.92; < 0.00001). There were no significant differences in the incidences of operative time (MD = -8.68, 95% CI: -18.59 to -1.22; = 0.09), complications of grade III or above (OR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.43~1.25, = 0.26), liver failure (OR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.39~1.89, = 0.71), and blood transfusion (OR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.42~1.03, = 0.07).
CONCLUSION
Current evidence suggests that ICG-mediated FMI technology could enhance the clinical effectiveness of patients with liver tumors resection and is clinically worthy of promotion.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022368387.
PubMed: 37384301
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1167536 -
BMC Medical Imaging Oct 2023We aimed to perform a qualitative synthesis of evidence on the role of Ga-Pentixafor PET in atherosclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to perform a qualitative synthesis of evidence on the role of Ga-Pentixafor PET in atherosclerosis.
METHODS
A systematic search of the PubMed and Embase databases for studies reporting the evaluation of atherosclerotic lesions by Ga-Pentixafor PET was performed with a search time frame from database creation to 2022-12-26. The diagnostic test evaluation tool QUADAS-2 was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature and to perform descriptive analyses of relevant outcome indicators.
RESULTS
A total of 6 studies with 280 patients were included. One study reported only imaging outcome metrics, while the other five studies reported imaging outcome metrics and clinical correlation metrics. For imaging outcomes, three studies reported imaging results for Ga-Pentixafor PET only, and the other three studies reported imaging results for comparative analysis of Ga-Pentixafor PET with F-FDG PET. For clinical correlation, three studies reported the correlation between tracer uptake and cardiovascular risk factors, one study reported the correlation between tracer uptake and plaque calcification, and one study reported the correlation between all three: tracer uptake, cardiovascular risk factors, and plaque calcification.
CONCLUSION
Ga-Pentixafor PET has a good imaging effect on atherosclerotic lesions, and it is a promising imaging modality that may replace F-FDG PET for atherosclerosis imaging in the future. In patients with atherosclerosis, there is a clear clinical correlation between cardiovascular risk factors, tracer uptake, and plaque calcification.
Topics: Humans; Gallium Radioisotopes; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Clinical Relevance; Receptors, CXCR4; Atherosclerosis; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Calcinosis
PubMed: 37884885
DOI: 10.1186/s12880-023-01134-y -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2023Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neurophysiological markers such as... (Review)
Review
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neurophysiological markers such as electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potential (ERP) are emerging as alternatives to traditional molecular and imaging markers. This paper aimed to review the literature on EEG and ERP markers in individuals with SCD. We analysed 30 studies that met our criteria, with 17 focusing on resting-state or cognitive task EEG, 11 on ERPs, and two on both EEG and ERP parameters. Typical spectral changes were indicative of EEG rhythm slowing and were associated with faster clinical progression, lower education levels, and abnormal cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers profiles. Some studies found no difference in ERP components between SCD subjects, controls, or MCI, while others reported lower amplitudes in the SCD group compared to controls. Further research is needed to explore the prognostic value of EEG and ERP in relation to molecular markers in individuals with SCD.
Topics: Humans; Alzheimer Disease; Electroencephalography; Evoked Potentials; Biomarkers; Cognitive Dysfunction; Neuropsychological Tests
PubMed: 37373304
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210158 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Dec 2021Previous studies on the relationship between positron emission tomography (PET) images and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression have shown contradictory results,...
OBJECTIVE
Previous studies on the relationship between positron emission tomography (PET) images and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression have shown contradictory results, and the objective of this study was to systematically review the role of PET in predicting AAA prognosis.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for studies evaluating the correlation between PET imaging results and AAA growth, repair, or rupture.
REVIEW METHODS
Two authors independently performed the study search, data extraction, and quality assessment following a standard method.
RESULTS
Of the 11 studies included in this review, nine used F-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) PET and computed tomography (CT) imaging, whereas the remaining two used F-sodium fluoride (F-NaF) PET/CT and F-FDG PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Findings from the F-FDG PET/CT studies were contradictory. Six studies found no significant association or correlation, and two studies found a significant negative correlation between F-FDG uptake and AAA expansion. Additionally, one study found that the F-FDG uptake was statistically positively related to the expansion rate in a specific AAA subgroup whose AAAs expanded significantly. Two studies suggested that increased F-FDG uptake was significantly associated with AAA repair, while the other studies either found no association between F-FDG uptake and AAA rupture or repair or failed to report the occurrence of clinical events. One PET/CT study that used F-NaF as a tracer showed that an increased tracer uptake was significantly associated with AAA growth and clinical events. Finally, the F-FDG PET/MRI study indicated that F-FDG uptake was not significantly correlated with AAA expansion.
CONCLUSION
A definitive role for F-FDG PET imaging for AAA prognosis awaits further investigation, and new PET tracers such as F-NaF have the potential to be a promising method for predicting AAA clinical outcomes.
Topics: Aged; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Female; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Humans; Male; Molecular Imaging; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Positron-Emission Tomography; Predictive Value of Tests; Radiopharmaceuticals; Sodium Fluoride
PubMed: 34696984
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2021.08.010 -
Cancers Nov 2021We have conducted a systematic review focusing on the advancements in preclinical molecular imaging to study the delivery and therapeutic efficacy of miRNAs in mouse... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
We have conducted a systematic review focusing on the advancements in preclinical molecular imaging to study the delivery and therapeutic efficacy of miRNAs in mouse models of breast cancer.
METHODS
A systematic review of English articles published in peer-reviewed journals using PubMed, EMBASE, BIOSIS™ and Scopus was performed. Search terms included breast cancer, mouse, mice, microRNA(s) and miRNA(s).
RESULTS
From a total of 2073 records, our final data extraction was from 114 manuscripts. The most frequently used murine genetic background was Balb/C (46.7%). The most frequently used model was the IV metastatic model (46.8%), which was obtained via intravenous injection (68.9%) in the tail vein. Bioluminescence was the most used frequently used tool (64%), and was used as a surrogate for tumor growth for efficacy treatment or for the evaluation of tumorigenicity in miRNA-transfected cells (29.9%); for tracking, evaluation of engraftment and for response to therapy in metastatic models (50.6%).
CONCLUSIONS
This review provides a systematic and focused analysis of all the information available and related to the imaging protocols with which to test miRNA therapy in an in vivo mice model of breast cancer, and has the purpose of providing an important tool to suggest the best preclinical imaging protocol based on available evidence.
PubMed: 34885130
DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236020 -
European Urology Jan 2024In prostate cancer (PCa), questions remain on indications for prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and PSMA radioligand...
BACKGROUND
In prostate cancer (PCa), questions remain on indications for prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and PSMA radioligand therapy, integration of advanced imaging in nomogram-based decision-making, dosimetry, and development of new theranostic applications.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to critically review developments in molecular hybrid imaging and systemic radioligand therapy, to reach a multidisciplinary consensus on the current state of the art in PCa.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
The results of a systematic literature search informed a two-round Delphi process with a panel of 28 PCa experts in medical or radiation oncology, urology, radiology, medical physics, and nuclear medicine. The results were discussed and ratified in a consensus meeting.
OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Forty-eight statements were scored on a Likert agreement scale and six as ranking options. Agreement statements were analysed using the RAND appropriateness method. Ranking statements were analysed using weighted summed scores.
RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS
After two Delphi rounds, there was consensus on 42/48 (87.5%) of the statements. The expert panel recommends PSMA PET to be used for staging the majority of patients with unfavourable intermediate and high risk, and for restaging of suspected recurrent PCa. There was consensus that oligometastatic disease should be defined as up to five metastases, even using advanced imaging modalities. The group agreed that [Lu]Lu-PSMA should not be administered only after progression to cabazitaxel and that [Ra]RaCl remains a valid therapeutic option in bone-only metastatic castration-resistant PCa. Uncertainty remains on various topics, including the need for concordant findings on both []FDG and PSMA PET prior to [Lu]Lu-PSMA therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
There was a high proportion of agreement among a panel of experts on the use of molecular imaging and theranostics in PCa. Although consensus statements cannot replace high-certainty evidence, these can aid in the interpretation and dissemination of best practice from centres of excellence to the wider clinical community.
PATIENT SUMMARY
There are situations when dealing with prostate cancer (PCa) where both the doctors who diagnose and track the disease development and response to treatment, and those who give treatments are unsure about what the best course of action is. Examples include what methods they should use to obtain images of the cancer and what to do when the cancer has returned or spread. We reviewed published research studies and provided a summary to a panel of experts in imaging and treating PCa. We also used the research summary to develop a questionnaire whereby we asked the experts to state whether or not they agreed with a list of statements. We used these results to provide guidance to other health care professionals on how best to image men with PCa and what treatments to give, when, and in what order, based on the information the images provide.
Topics: Humans; Male; Molecular Imaging; Nuclear Medicine; Positron-Emission Tomography; Precision Medicine; Prostatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 37743194
DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2023.09.003 -
Biosensors Oct 2022Optoacoustic imaging relies on the detection of optically induced acoustic waves to offer new possibilities in morphological and functional imaging. As the modality... (Review)
Review
Optoacoustic imaging relies on the detection of optically induced acoustic waves to offer new possibilities in morphological and functional imaging. As the modality matures towards clinical application, research efforts aim to address multifactorial limitations that negatively impact the resulting image quality. In an endeavor to obtain a clear view on the limitations and their effects, as well as the status of this progressive refinement process, we conduct an extensive search for optoacoustic image quality improvement approaches that have been evaluated with humans in vivo, thus focusing on clinically relevant outcomes. We query six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, and Google Scholar) for articles published from 1 January 2010 to 31 October 2021, and identify 45 relevant research works through a systematic screening process. We review the identified approaches, describing their primary objectives, targeted limitations, and key technical implementation details. Moreover, considering comprehensive and objective quality assessment as an essential prerequisite for the adoption of such approaches in clinical practice, we subject 36 of the 45 papers to a further in-depth analysis of the reported quality evaluation procedures, and elicit a set of criteria with the intent to capture key evaluation aspects. Through a comparative criteria-wise rating process, we seek research efforts that exhibit excellence in quality assessment of their proposed methods, and discuss features that distinguish them from works with similar objectives. Additionally, informed by the rating results, we highlight areas with improvement potential, and extract recommendations for designing quality assessment pipelines capable of providing rich evidence.
Topics: Humans; Quality Improvement; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 36291038
DOI: 10.3390/bios12100901 -
European Journal of Radiology Nov 2021Breast cancer has four distinct molecular subtypes which are discriminated using gene expression profiling following biopsy. Radiogenomics is an emerging field which... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Breast cancer has four distinct molecular subtypes which are discriminated using gene expression profiling following biopsy. Radiogenomics is an emerging field which utilises diagnostic imaging to reveal genomic properties of disease. We aimed to perform a systematic review of the current literature to evaluate the value radiomics in differentiating breast cancers into their molecular subtypes using diagnostic imaging.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed as per PRISMA guidelines. Studies assessing radiomictumour analysis in differentiatingbreast cancer molecular subtypeswere included. Quality was assessed using the radiomics quality score (RQS). Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of radiomic analyses were included for meta-analysis; Study specific sensitivity and specificity were retrieved and summary ROC analysis were performed to compile pooled sensitivities and specificities.
RESULTS
Forty-one studies were included. Overall, there were 10,090 female patients (mean age of 47.6 ± 11.7 years, range: 21-93) and molecular subtypewas reported in 7,693 of cases, with Luminal A (LABC), Luminal B (LBBC), Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 overexpressing (HER2+), and Triple Negative (TNBC) breast cancers representing 51.3%, 19.9%, 12.3% and 16.3% of tumour respectively. Seven studies provided radiomic analysis to determine molecular subtypes using mammography to differentiateTNBCvs.others (sensitivity: 0.82,specificity:0.79). Thirty-five studies reported on radiomic analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); LABC versus others(sensitivity:0.78,specificity:0.83),HER2+versusothers(sensitivity:0.87,specificity:0.88), andLBBCversusTNBC (sensitivity: 0.79,specificity:0.88) respectively.
CONCLUSION
Radiomic tumour assessment of contemporary breast imaging provide a novel option in determining breast cancer molecular subtypes. However, amelioration of such techniques are required and genetic expression assessment will remain the gold standard.
Topics: Adult; Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Mammography; Middle Aged; ROC Curve
PubMed: 34624649
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.109996 -
Current Radiopharmaceuticals 2020In patients suitable for radical chemoradiotherapy for lung cancer, 18F-FDGPET/ CT is a proposed management to improve the accuracy of high dose radiotherapy. However,...
INTRODUCTION
In patients suitable for radical chemoradiotherapy for lung cancer, 18F-FDGPET/ CT is a proposed management to improve the accuracy of high dose radiotherapy. However, there is a high rate of locoregional failure in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), probably due to the fact that standard dosing may not be effective in all patients. The aim of the present review was to address some criticisms associated with the radiotherapy image-guided in NSCLC.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted. Only published articles that met the following criteria were included: articles, only original papers, radiopharmaceutical ([18F]FDG and any tracer other than [18F]FDG), target, only specific for lung cancer radiotherapy planning, and experimental design (eventually "in vitro" studies were excluded). Peer-reviewed indexed journals, regardless of publication status (published, ahead of print, in press, etc.) were included. Reviews, case reports, abstracts, editorials, poster presentations, and publications in languages other than English were excluded. The decision to include or exclude an article was made by consensus and any disagreement was resolved through discussion.
RESULTS
Hundred eligible full-text articles were assessed. Diverse information is now available in the literature about the role of FDG and new alternative radiopharmaceuticals for the planning of radiotherapy in NSCLC. In particular, the role of alternative technologies for the segmentation of FDG uptake is essential, although indeterminate for RT planning. The pros and cons of the available techniques have been extensively reported.
CONCLUSION
PET/CT has a central place in the planning of radiotherapy for lung cancer and, in particular, for NSCLC assuming a substantial role in the delineation of tumor volume. The development of new radiopharmaceuticals can help overcome the problems related to the disadvantage of FDG to accumulate also in activated inflammatory cells, thus improving tumor characterization and providing new prognostic biomarkers.
Topics: Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Molecular Imaging; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Radiopharmaceuticals; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted
PubMed: 32186275
DOI: 10.2174/1874471013666200318144154