Background Our aim was to compare the diagnostic performance of quantitative dual-layer spectral computed tomography (DLSCT) and axillary ultrasound (US) for diagnosing lymph node metastases in breast cancer patients. Methods DLSCT and axillary US were prospectively performed in 70 needle biopsy-verified breast cancer patients. Histopathology and imaging data were available for evaluation in 36 axillae from 34 patients. In each patient, ipsilateral, contralateral, and inguinal lymph nodes (LNs) were semiautomatically segmented, and iodine density, spectral slope, Z effective, virtual non-contrast (VNC), conventional CT HU values, and Δ contrast enhancement (ΔCE, conventional CT HU minus VNC) were measured. Using histopathology as reference, the diagnostic performance of DLSCT and axillary US was compared. Results Of 36 axillae, 23 had metastatic lymph nodes. Compared with non-metastatic LNs, metastatic LNs had significantly different iodine density (p = 0.021), spectral slope (p < 0.001), Z effective (p < 0.001), conventional CT HU values (p < 0.01), and ΔCE (p < 0.01). All DLSCT parameters were significantly different between arterial phase and portal-venous phase (p < 0.001) except for VNC (p = 0.092). ΔCE had the highest diagnostic performance (sensitivity 0.79, specificity 0.92, positive predictive value 0.95, negative predictive value 0.69) with a significantly increased sensitivity compared with conventional CT HU (p = 0.027). There were no significant differences between ΔCE and axillary US for sensitivity (p = 1.000) or specificity (p = 0.320). Conclusions DLSCT is a promising quantitative technique for evaluating LN metastases and could potentially reduce the need for sentinel LN biopsy.
To investigate whether a risk score for prostate cancer (PCa) lifetime risk can be used to optimise triaging of patients with a negative prostate biopsy, but under sustained suspicion of PCa. Patients and MethodsIn this prospective clinical study, we included, and risk scored patients who had a PCa-negative transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy, but elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a suspicious prostate digital rectal examination and/or a positive family history (FH) of PCa. The risk score estimated individual lifetime risk of PCa, based on a polygenic risk score (33 single nucleotide polymorphisms), age, and FH of PCa. Patients were followed, under urological supervision, for up to 4 years with annual controls, always including PSA measurements. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and/or prostate biopsy was performed at selected annual controls depending on risk score and at the urologist's/patient's discretion, which means that the follow-up differed based on the risk score. ResultsWe included 429 patients. After risk scoring, 376/429 (88%) patients were allocated to a normal-risk group (<30% PCa lifetime risk) and 53/429 (12%) to a high-risk group (≥30% PCa lifetime risk). The high-risk group had significantly different follow-up, with more biopsy and mpMRI sessions compared to the normal-risk group. PCa was detected in 89/429 (21%) patients, with 67/376 (18%) patients diagnosed in the normal-risk group and 22/53 (42%) in the high-risk group. There was no statistically significant difference in the cumulative incidence of PCa between the normal-risk group and the high-risk group after 4 years of follow-up. Currently, 67/429 (16%) patients are still being followed in this ongoing study. ConclusionIn a 4-year perspective, our PCa lifetime risk score did not demonstrate significant prognostic value for triaging patients, with a negative TRUS-guided biopsy and sustained suspicion of PCa.
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