Precision Diagnosis for pediatric brain tumor

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K16791
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 52040:Radiological sciences-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Kikuchi Kazufumi 九州大学, 医学研究院, 助教 (20529838)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: MRI / 小児脳腫瘍 / 拡散強調画像 / Arterial Spin Labeling / Stretched DWI / CEST / Amide Proton Transfer

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study was to identify factors that contribute to the preoperative assessment of brain tumor grading in pediatric patients using multiparametric MR analysis. By achieving accurate imaging diagnostics, it is expected to avoid biopsies or determine the optimal biopsy sites and assist in the prioritization and selection of MR sequences. It was found that α value, which indicates tumor homogeneity, and CBF, which indicates tumor blood flow, are the most useful factors for distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors. Prioritizing these parameters in imaging is critical, especially in pediatric patients who require sedation. The results of this study are expected to lead to accurate diagnosis of brain tumors, avoid the use of contrast agents and their associated injections and allergic reactions, minimize sedation-related side effects, and reduce medical costs.

Free Research Field

神経放射線医学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の学術的意義は、小児脳腫瘍の術前診断において、MRIのmultiparametric解析が悪性度評価に有効であることを明らかにした点にある。特に、腫瘍内部の均一性を示すα値と腫瘍血流量を示すCBFが良悪性の鑑別に寄与することを示したことは、臨床現場における診断精度の向上が期待される。これにより、生検の回避や部位の適正化が行われ、患者の負担を軽減できる可能性がある。
社会的意義は、MRIシークエンスの選択と優先順位の最適化により、鎮静や造影剤使用のリスクを低減し、医療費の抑制が期待される。また、正確な診断によって治療計画が適切に立てられ、治療効果の向上や予後の改善に繋がることが期待される。