1
|
Maung ST, Tanpowpong N, Satja M, Treeprasertsuk S, Chaiteerakij R. MRI for hepatocellular carcinoma and the role of abbreviated MRI for surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024. [PMID: 38899804 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes the majority of liver cancers and significantly impacts global cancer mortality. While ultrasound (US) with or without alpha-fetoprotein is the mainstay for HCC surveillance, its limitations highlight the necessity for more effective surveillance tools. Therefore, this review explores evolving imaging modalities and abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (AMRI) protocols as promising alternatives, addressing challenges in HCC surveillance. AREAS COVERED This comprehensive review delves into the evaluation and challenges of HCC surveillance tools, focusing on non-contrast abbreviated MRI (NC-AMRI) and contrast-enhanced abbreviated MRI protocols. It covers the implementation of AMRI for HCC surveillance, patient preferences, adherence, and strategies for optimizing cost-effectiveness. Additionally, the article provides insights into prospects for HCC surveillance by summarizing meta-analyses, prospective studies, and ongoing clinical trials evaluating AMRI protocols. EXPERT OPINION The opinions underscore the transformative impact of AMRI on HCC surveillance, especially in overcoming US limitations. Promising results from NC-AMRI protocols indicate its potential for high-risk patient surveillance, though prospective studies in true surveillance settings are essential for validation. Future research should prioritize risk-stratified AMRI protocols and address cost-effectiveness for broader clinical implementation, alongside comparative analyses with US for optimal surveillance strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soe Thiha Maung
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Ma Har Myaing Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Natthaporn Tanpowpong
- Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Minchanat Satja
- Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sombat Treeprasertsuk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Roongruedee Chaiteerakij
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Innovation and Endoscopy in Gastrointestinal Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Feng F, Zhao Y. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Med Princ Pract 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38772352 DOI: 10.1159/000539349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent form of liver cancer globally, poses a substantial health burden. Influenced by risk factors such as hepatitis B or C virus infections, chronic consumption of alcohol, and metabolic dysfunction, its exact etiology likely involves a complex interplay between viral infection, hepatocyte mutations, and chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, and demographic variables like sex, race, and age. Disease stage significantly impacts the prognosis of HCC. There is significant potential for life-saving and socioeconomic benefits through the implementation of surveillance programs and the introduction of low-cost screening measures for high-risk groups; these screening measures include ultrasound imaging and blood tests. Treatment options for HCC encompass liver resection, transplantation, transarterial chemoembolization, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Despite therapeutic advances, treating advanced HCC remains challenging, emphasizing the need for continued efforts in prevention, early detection, and development of treatments to improve prognosis and long-term survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Feng
- Ultrasound Medicine, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China,
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Disease of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ramegowda R, Gupta P. Abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging in hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance: A review. Indian J Gastroenterol 2024:10.1007/s12664-023-01511-z. [PMID: 38460056 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-023-01511-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common primary malignancies of the liver and a leading cause for cancer-related deaths worldwide. HCC surveillance aims at early detection. The recommended strategy for screening HCC is biannual ultrasound with or without alpha-fetoprotein. However, this strategy is associated with sub-optimal sensitivity. Abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging (AMRI) is a promising alternative to ultrasound (US) for surveillance of HCC. The data regarding the role of AMRI in HCC screening is evolving. There are different AMRI protocols, each having its merits and disadvantages. In this review, we discuss the need for AMRI, protocols of AMRI and hindrances to widespread adoption of AMRI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajath Ramegowda
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160 012, India
| | - Pankaj Gupta
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160 012, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Grabowska S, Hitnarowicz A, Barczyk-Gutkowska A, Gruszczyńska K, Steinhof-Radwańska K, Winder M. Abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging protocols in oncology: improving accessibility in precise diagnostics. Pol J Radiol 2023; 88:e415-e422. [PMID: 37808176 PMCID: PMC10551741 DOI: 10.5114/pjr.2023.131213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer, as the second leading cause of death in the world, is one of the major public health concerns today. Accurate diagnosis and prompt initiation of adequate treatment are of key importance for prognosis. Abbreviated magnetic resonance protocols (AMRI) are promising techniques based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols that shorten acquisition time without significant loss of examination quality. Faster protocols that focus on detection of suspicious lesions with most precise sequences, can contribute to comparable diagnostic performance of a full MRI protocol. The purpose of this article was to review the current application of AMRI protocols in several oncological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Grabowska
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Anna Hitnarowicz
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Anna Barczyk-Gutkowska
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Gruszczyńska
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Mateusz Winder
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Skwirczyński M, Tabor Z, Lasek J, Schneider Z, Gibała S, Kucybała I, Urbanik A, Obuchowicz R. Deep Learning Algorithm for Differentiating Patients with a Healthy Liver from Patients with Liver Lesions Based on MR Images. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3142. [PMID: 37370752 PMCID: PMC10296219 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The problems in diagnosing the state of a vital organ such as the liver are complex and remain unresolved. These problems are underscored by frequently published studies on this issue. At the same time, demand for imaging diagnostics, preferably using a method that can detect the disease at the earliest possible stage, is constantly increasing. In this paper, we present liver diseases in the context of diagnosis, diagnostic problems, and possible elimination. We discuss the dataset and methods and present the stages of the pipeline we developed, leading to multiclass segmentation of the liver in multiparametric MR image into lesions and normal tissue. Finally, based on the processing results, each case is classified as either a healthy liver or a liver with lesions. For the training set, the AUC ROC is 0.925 (standard error 0.013 and a p-value less than 0.001), and for the test set, the AUC ROC is 0.852 (standard error 0.039 and a p-value less than 0.001). Further refinements to the proposed pipeline are also discussed. The proposed approach could be used in the detection of focal lesions in the liver and the description of liver tumors. Practical application of the developed multi-class segmentation method represents a key step toward standardizing the medical evaluation of focal lesions in the liver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Skwirczyński
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Jagiellonian University, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
| | - Zbisław Tabor
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatics, Computer Science, and Biomedical Engineering, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Julia Lasek
- Faculty of Geology, Geophysics, and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Zofia Schneider
- Faculty of Geology, Geophysics, and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Iwona Kucybała
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Urbanik
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
| | - Rafał Obuchowicz
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Multicenter Study of ACR Ultrasound LI-RADS Visualization Scores on Serial Examinations: Implications for Changes in Surveillance Strategies. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2022; 219:445-452. [PMID: 35383486 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.22.27405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: American College of Radiology Ultrasound LI-RADS includes the visualization score as a subjective measure of examination quality and expected level of sensitivity. Whether a single suboptimal visualization score warrants change in surveillance strategy is unknown. Objective: To determine the relative stability of visualization scores on serial surveillance ultrasound examinations in patients at risk for HCC. Methods: This retrospective study included patients at risk for HCC who underwent at least two HCC surveillance ultrasound examinations at one of three institutions between January 2017 and November 2020. Frequencies of score remaining unchanged after variable numbers of preceding examinations with the given score were determined. A mixed-effects logistic model was fitted to identify factors associated with a repeat score C (severe limitations) versus change to score A (no or minimal limitations) or score B (moderate limitations). Results: A total of 3169 patients underwent at least 2 ultrasound examinations, yielding a total of 9602 examinations. A total of 8030 (83.6%) examinations had score A, 1378 (14.4%) score B, and 194 (2.0%) score C. Frequency of score A was 88%, 91%, and 93% after 1, 2 and 3 consecutive prior examinations with score A. Frequency of score B was 45%, 48%, and 55% after 1, 2, and 3 consecutive prior examinations with score B. Frequency of score C was 42%, 67%, and 80% after 1, 2, and 3 consecutive prior examinations with score C. Among 109 examinations with score C in 91 patients with an available follow-up examination, no factor (including age, sex, severe steatosis, advanced cirrhosis, ascites, body mass index, and change in ultrasound machine, sonographer, or radiologist) was significantly associated with repeat score C (all p>.05). Although not statistically significant, presence of severe steatosis and advanced cirrhosis had the highest odds ratios (2.88 and 2.38, respectively) for repeat score C in multivariable analysis. Conclusion: Only 42% of patients with visualization score C on surveillances examination have score C on follow-up examination. Clinical Impact: The findings may inform decisions for alternative surveillance strategies in patients with visualization score C on ultrasound. This decision should consider the number of previous examinations with score C.
Collapse
|