The application of texture quantification in hepatocellular carcinoma using CT and MRI: a review of perspectives and challenges

Abstract

Recently, radiomic texture quantification of tumors has received much attention from radiologists, scientists, and stakeholders because several results have shown the feasibility of using the technique to diagnose and manage oncological conditions. In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, radiomics has been applied in all stages of tumor evaluation, including diagnosis and characterization of the genotypic behavior of the tumor, monitoring of treatment responses and prediction of various clinical endpoints. It is also useful in selecting suitable candidates for specific treatment strategies. However, the clinical validation of hepatocellular carcinoma radiomics is limited by challenges in imaging protocol and data acquisition parameters, challenges in segmentation techniques, dimensionality reduction, and modeling methods. Identification of the best segmentation and optimal modeling methods, as well as texture features most stable to imaging protocol variability would go a long way in harmonizing HCC radiomics for personalized patient care. This article reviews the process of HCC radiomics, its clinical applications, associated challenges, and current optimization strategies.

Contrast Administration Impacts CT-Based Radiomics of Colorectal Liver Metastases and Non-Tumoral Liver Parenchyma Revealing the “Radiological” Tumour Microenvironment

“…In our opinion, this does not undermine the potential contribution of texture analysis to non-invasive evaluation of tumor biology. The standardization of acquisition techniques is crucial [ 23 , 28 , 29 ], and harmonization protocols are pivotal to this aim [ 30 , 31 ]. Moreover, a sharp delineation between tumoral, peritumoral, and remote non-tumoral liver parenchyma was evident in both the pre-contrast and portal phases.…”

Whole-tumour evaluation with MRI and radiomics features to predict the efficacy of S-1 for adjuvant chemotherapy in postoperative pancreatic cancer patients: a pilot study

“…It is difficult to determine which examination technique is better for radiomics analysis from previous studies. MRI-based radiomics analysis may likely be more predictive of tumour heterogeneity but might be more susceptible to variations in imaging parameters compared to CT [ 41 ]. We performed all the MRI examinations of the same cohort with the same scanner in our study to avoid the influences of equipment and parameter differences.…”

“…Although based on different examination techniques, the selected features are mostly related to intratumoural heterogeneity [32,37,38]. However, performances have not yet been compared among CT, MRI, and PET/CT [41,42]. It is difficult to determine which examination technique is better for radiomics analysis from previous studies.…”

The Emerging Factors and Treatment Options for NAFLD-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

“…Dynamic multiphase contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the most commonly used methods to detect HCC in clinical diagnosis [112,113]. Still, there are some challenges, such as the lack of standardization in image acquisition protocols and optimization of the radiomics analysis procedure [114]. Additional non-invasive or less harmful diagnostic methods, such as biomarkers, score systems, and algorithms, have been investigated to improve the diagnosis of HCC, including its initiation, progression, and potential recurrence.…”