Umbrella review and network meta-analysis of diagnostic imaging test accuracy studies in Differentiating between brain tumor progression versus pseudoprogression and radionecrosis

Richard Dagher, Mona Gad, Paloma da Silva de Santana, Mohammad Amin Sadeghi, Selome F. Yewedalsew, Sachin K. Gujar, Vivek Yedavalli, Cristiano André Köhler, Majid Khan, Daniel Gurgel Fernandes Tavora, David Olayinka Kamson, Haris I. Sair, Licia P. Luna

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: In this study we gathered and analyzed the available evidence regarding 17 different imaging modalities and performed network meta-analysis to find the most effective modality for the differentiation between brain tumor recurrence and post-treatment radiation effects. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive systematic search on PubMed and Embase. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2) instrument. For each meta-analysis, we recalculated the effect size, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio from the individual study data provided in the original meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Imaging technique comparisons were then assessed using NMA. Ranking was assessed using the multidimensional scaling approach and by visually assessing surface under the cumulative ranking curves. Results: We identified 32 eligible studies. High confidence in the results was found in only one of them, with a substantial heterogeneity and small study effect in 21% and 9% of included meta-analysis respectively. Comparisons between MRS Cho/NAA, Cho/Cr, DWI, and DSC were most studied. Our analysis showed MRS (Cho/NAA) and 18F-DOPA PET displayed the highest sensitivity and negative likelihood ratios. 18-FET PET was ranked highest among the 17 studied techniques with statistical significance. APT MRI was the only non-nuclear imaging modality to rank higher than DSC, with statistical insignificance, however. Conclusion: The evidence regarding which imaging modality is best for the differentiation between radiation necrosis and post-treatment radiation effects is still inconclusive. Using NMA, our analysis ranked FET PET to be the best for such a task based on the available evidence. APT MRI showed promising results as a non-nuclear alternative.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-15
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of neuro-oncology
Volume166
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2024

Keywords

  • Network meta-analysis
  • Pseudoprogression
  • Radiation necrosis
  • Radionecrosis
  • Tumor recurrence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Cancer Research

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