ADC Values and Prognosis of Malignant Astrocytomas: Does Lower ADC Predict a Worse Prognosis Independent of Grade of Tumor?—A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to determine via meta-analysis whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) predicts astrocytoma prognosis independent of grade. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Survival data were subjected to Mantel Haenszel analysis in four qualifying studies. Stratification by tumor grade was also performed. RESULTS. The survival rates of malignant astrocytomas, grade 3 and 4 (p, 0.004 and < 0.0001, respectively) were worse below a specific ADC value, independent of grade. CONCLUSION. Low ADC values correlate with poor survival in malignant astrocyto-mas independent of tumor grade.