Integrating baseline MR imaging biomarkers into BCLC and CLIP improves overall survival prediction of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

Abstract

Objectives We aimed to evaluate the independent predictive role of baseline imaging biomarkers for overall survival (OS) and transplant-free survival (TFS) in patients with HCC and assess the incremental value of these biomarkers to current staging systems. Methods In this retrospective IRB approved study, the clinical, laboratory, and imaging parameters of 304 HCC patients were collected. Cox regression model was utilized to identify the potential predictors of survival. Recursive partitioning test was utilized to identify the optimal ADC cutoff for stratifying patients' OS. Patients were stratified based on Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) and Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP). Binary ADC value (above vs. below the cutoff) and tumor margin (well- vs. ill-defined) were integrated into BCLC and CLIP. OS and TFS was compared for patients based on standard criteria with and without imaging biomarkers. Results At baseline, patients with low tumor ADC and well-defined tumor margin (favorable imaging biomarkers) had longer survival, as compared to those with high ADC and ill-defined tumor margin (unfavorable imaging biomarkers) (median OS of 43 months vs. 7 months, respectively) (p < 0.001). Tumor ADC and tumor margin remained strong independent predictors of survival after adjustment for demographics, BCLC and CLIP staging, and tumor burden. Incorporating ADC and tumor margin improved performance of OS prediction by 9% in BCLC group and 6% in CLIP group. Conclusion Incorporating ADC and tumor margin to current staging systems for HCC significantly improve prediction of OS and TFS of these criteria.