Development and Validation of a radiomics nomogram to determine the primary site of liver metastases from gastric and colorectal cancer

Abstract

Abstract Background To develop and validate a radiomics nomogram to determine the primary site of liver metastases from gastric and colorectal cancer based on texture analysis. Methods We enrolled 555 patients with liver metastases, comprising 277 with gastric cancer (GC) and 278 with colorectal cancer (CRC), and randomly divided them into the training and validation cohorts at a ratio of 7:3. Radiomics features were extracted from venous phase computed tomography (CT) scans. Univariate analysis revealed three texture features potentially correlated with the identification model (p < 0.1). The selected features were combined with their coefficients to construct the radiomics signature (RS). A nomogram was developed with the RS (p = 0.02) and clinical features (p < 0.05). Nomogram performance was determined by its discriminative ability and clinical utility. Results The multivariable logistic regression model included gender, blood hemoglobin (HGB), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and RS. The nomogram showed great discrimination in the training cohort (AUC = 0.71) and in the validation cohort (AUC = 0.78). The nomogram also demonstrated favorable clinical consistency. Conclusion This study presents a radiomics nomogram incorporating RS and clinical features with great discrimination and high clinical value for the differentiation of liver metastases originating from gastric or colorectal cancer.