MRI-Based AI Radiomics Model Offers 'Robust' Prediction of Perineural Invasion in Prostate Cancer

Researchers have linked perineural invasion (PNI) to a more aggressive form of prostate cancer more prone to biochemical recurrence, extraprostatic extension and bone metastasis. However, the emergence of a biparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based predictive model, which incorporates deep learning, radiomics, and clinical factors, may facilitate improved assessment and treatment.

In a study, recently published in Academic Radiology, researchers developed the predictive model for PNI in 390 patients and assessed the model in 167 patients. The entire cohort of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) had preoperative MRI and underwent a radical prostatectomy.

The study authors found that the deep learning, radiomics, and clinical model (DLRC) exhibited a 91.4 percent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC) and 94.8 percent precision-recall AUC (PR-AUC) in the training set. In validation testing, the DLRC model had an 84.8 percent ROC AUC and a 92.6 percent PR-AUC.

Calling the DLRC model a “robust tool for predicting PNI in patients with PCa,” the researchers said the deep learning features were particularly impactful.

“ … Deep learning features may offer a more comprehensive description of PCa MRI and capture the biological characteristics of the tumor more effectively. The enhanced performance of deep learning could be attributed to its ability to extract richer and more comprehensive features through image enhancement techniques such as random cropping, horizontal and vertical flipping, and multiple image convolution transformations,” wrote lead study author Yue-yue Zhang, M.D., who is affiliated with the Department of Radiology at the Second Hospital of Soochow University in Suzhou, China, and colleagues.

Validation testing also revealed an 81 percent accuracy rate, 82.2 percent sensitivity and 78 percent specificity, according to the study authors.

The researchers maintained the use of this non-invasive predictive model could have a significant impact in preoperative planning for patients slated to undergo radical prostatectomy procedures as well as follow-up surveillance strategies for those with PNI.

“Some studies have indicated that low-grade PCa with PNI is associated with a higher risk of tumor progression during follow-up than cases without PNI,” noted Zhang and colleagues. “As a result, there may be a need to consider some adjustments to the follow-up strategy for PCa patients in active surveillance, including shortening the follow-up intervals or considering immediate surgical intervention.”

(Editor’s note: For related content, see “Could MRI-Based AI Offer Better Risk Stratification for Prostate Cancer than PI-RADS?,” “MRI-Based AI Model Facilitates 50 Percent Reduction in False Positives for Prostate Cancer” and “Study: Adjunctive AI Imaging Software Enhances Contouring of Prostate Cancer.”)

Beyond the inherent limitations of a single-center retrospective design, the study authors acknowledged they did not assess the count of PNI, which contributes to biochemical recurrence risk, and utilized the maximum slice of lesions in developing the deep learning capabilities of the model. The researchers also conceded the lack of external validation for the model.