Robustness of apparent diffusion coefficient–based lymph node classification for diagnosis of prostate cancer metastasis

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The aim of this proof-of-principle study combining data analysis and computer simulation was to evaluate the robustness of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values for lymph node classification in prostate cancer under conditions comparable to clinical practice. Materials and methods To assess differences in ADC and inter-rater variability, ADC values of 359 lymph nodes in 101 patients undergoing simultaneous prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-PET/MRI were retrospectively measured by two blinded readers and compared in a node-by-node analysis with respect to lymph node status. In addition, a phantom and 13 patients with 86 lymph nodes were prospectively measured on two different MRI scanners to analyze inter-scanner agreement. To estimate the diagnostic quality of the ADC in real-world application, a computer simulation was used to emulate the blurring caused by scanner and reader variability. To account for intra-individual correlation, the statistical analyses and simulations were based on linear mixed models. Results The mean ADC of lymph nodes showing PSMA signals in PET was markedly lower (0.77 × 10−3 mm2/s) compared to inconspicuous nodes (1.46 × 10−3 mm2/s, p < 0.001). High inter-reader agreement was observed for ADC measurements (ICC 0.93, 95%CI [0.92, 0.95]). Good inter-scanner agreement was observed in the phantom study and confirmed in vivo (ICC 0.89, 95%CI [0.84, 0.93]). With a median AUC of 0.95 (95%CI [0.92, 0.97]), the simulation study confirmed the diagnostic potential of ADC for lymph node classification in prostate cancer. Conclusion Our model-based simulation approach implicates a high potential of ADC for lymph node classification in prostate cancer, even when inter-rater and inter-scanner variability are considered. Clinical relevance statement The ADC value shows a high diagnostic potential for lymph node classification in prostate cancer. The robustness to scanner and reader variability implicates that this easy to measure and widely available method could be readily integrated into clinical routine. Key Points • The diagnostic value of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for lymph node classification in prostate cancer is unclear in the light of inter-rater and inter-scanner variability. • Metastatic and inconspicuous lymph nodes differ significantly in ADC, resulting in a high diagnostic potential that is robust to inter-scanner and inter-rater variability. • ADC has a high potential for lymph node classification in prostate cancer that is maintained under conditions comparable to clinical practice. Graphical abstract