Predicting recurrence of non-small cell lung cancer based on mean computed tomography value

Abstract

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to assess the ability of using mean computed tomography (mCT) values to predict non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumor recurrence. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 494 patients with stage IA NSCLC. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was used to assess the ability to use mCT value, C/T ratio, tumor size, and SUV to predict tumor recurrence. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent variables for the prediction of tumor recurrence. Results The m-CT values were − 213.7 ± 10.2 Hounsfield Units (HU) for the recurrence group and − 594.1 ± 11.6 HU for the non-recurrence group (p < 0.0001). Recurrence occurred in 45 patients (9.1%). The tumor recurrence group was strongly associated with a high CT attenuation value, high C/T ratio, large solid tumor size, and SUV. The diagnostic value of mCT value was more accurate than the C/T ratio, excluding the pure ground-glass opacity and pure solid (0 < C/T ratio < 100) groups. The SUV and mCT are independent predictive factors of tumor recurrence. Conclusions The evaluation of mCT values was useful for predicting recurrence after the limited resection of small-sized NSCLC, and may potentially contribute to the selection of suitable treatment strategies.