Radiomics nomogram for the prediction of microvascular invasion of HCC and patients’ benefit from postoperative adjuvant TACE: a multi-center study

Objectives To evaluate the performance of a radiomics nomogram developed based on gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) MRI for preoperative prediction of microvascular invasion (MVI) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to identify patients who may benefit from the postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (PA-TACE). Methods A total of 260 eligible patients were retrospectively enrolled from three hospitals (140, 65, and 55 in training, standardized external, and non-standardized external validation cohort). Radiomics features and image characteristics were extracted from Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI image before hepatectomy for each lesion. In the training cohort, a radiomics nomogram which incorporated the radiomics signature and radiological predictors was developed. The performance of the radiomics nomogram was assessed with respect to discrimination calibration, and clinical usefulness with external validation. A score ( m -score) was constructed to stratify the patients and explored whether it could accurately predict patient who benefit from PA-TACE. Results A radiomics nomogram integrated with the radiomics signature, max-D(iameter) > 5.1 cm, peritumoral low intensity (PTLI), incomplete capsule, and irregular morphology had favorable discrimination in the training cohort (AUC = 0.982), the standardized external validation cohort (AUC = 0.969), and the non-standardized external validation cohort (AUC = 0.981). Decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical usefulness of the novel radiomics nomogram. The log-rank test revealed that PA-TACE significantly decreased the early recurrence in the high-risk group ( p = 0.006) with no significant effect in the low-risk group ( p = 0.270). Conclusions The novel radiomics nomogram combining the radiomics signature and clinical radiological features achieved preoperative non-invasive MVI risk prediction and patient benefit assessment after PA-TACE, which may help clinicians implement more appropriate interventions. Clinical relevance statement Our radiomics nomogram could represent a novel biomarker to identify patients who may benefit from the postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization, which may help clinicians to implement more appropriate interventions and perform individualized precision therapies. Key Points • The novel radiomics nomogram developed based on Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI achieved preoperative non-invasive MVI risk prediction. • An m-score based on the radiomics nomogram could stratify HCC patients and further identify individuals who may benefit from the PA-TACE. • The radiomics nomogram could help clinicians to implement more appropriate interventions and perform individualized precision therapies.