Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39466506›Full record

ArticleInsights into imaging2024

Software-assisted structured reporting and semi-automated TNM classification for NSCLC staging in a multicenter proof of concept study.

Maurice M Heimer, Yevgeniy Dikhtyar, Boj F Hoppe, Felix L Herr, Anna Theresa Stüber, Tanja Burkard, Emma Zöller, Matthias P Fabritius, Lena Unterrainer, Lisa Adams and 14 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Insights into imaging, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Artificial intelligence for TNM staging in NSCLC: a critical appraisal of segmentation utility in [European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging · 2026
    Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

24 authors.

Maurice M HeimerDepartment of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany. Maurice.Heimer@med.uni-muenchen.de.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0940-0161
Yevgeniy DikhtyarDepartment of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
Boj F HoppeDepartment of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
Felix L HerrDepartment of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
Anna Theresa StüberDepartment of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
Tanja BurkardDepartment of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
Emma ZöllerDepartment of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
Matthias P FabritiusDepartment of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
Lena UnterrainerDepartment of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
Lisa AdamsBavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany.
Annette ThurnerBavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany.
David KaufmannBavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany.
Timo TrzaskaBavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany.
Markus KoppBavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany.
Okka HamerBavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany.
Katharina MaurerBavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany.
Inka RistowDepartment of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Matthias S MayBavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany.
Amanda TufmanDepartment of Pneumology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
Judith SpiroDepartment of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
Matthias BrendelBavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany.
Michael IngrischDepartment of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
Jens RickeDepartment of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
Clemens C CyranDepartment of Radiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.

Funding

German Research Foundation (DFG) EXC 2145 SyNergy - ID 390857198
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesIn this multi-center study, we proposed a structured reporting (SR) framework for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and developed a software-assisted tool to automatically translate image-based findings and annotations into TNM classifications. The aim of this study was to validate the software-assisted SR tool for NSCLC, assess its potential clinical impact in a proof-of-concept study, and evaluate current reporting standards in participating institutions.

methodsA framework for SR and staging of NSCLC was developed in a multi-center collaboration. SR annotations and descriptions were used to generate semi-automated TNM classification. The SR and TNM classification tools were evaluated by nine radiologists on n = 20 representative [18F]FDG PET/CT studies and compared to the free text reporting (FTR) strategy. Results were compared to a multidisciplinary team reference using a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM). Additionally, participants were surveyed on their experience with SR and TNM classification.

resultsOverall, GLMM analysis revealed that readers using SR were 1.707 (CI: 1.137-2.585) times more likely to correctly classify TNM status compared to FTR strategy (p = 0.01) resulting in increased overall TNM correctness in 71.9% (128/178) of cases compared to 62.8% (113/180) FTR. The primary source of variation in classification accuracy was explained by case complexity. Participants rated the potential impact of SR and semi-automated TNM classification as positive across all categories with improved scores after template validation.

conclusionThis multi-center study yielded an effective software-assisted SR framework for NSCLC. The SR and semi-automated classification tool improved TNM classification and were perceived as valuable. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Software-assisted SR provides robust input for semi-automated rule-based TNM classification in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), improves TNM correctness compared to FTR, and was perceived as valuable by radiology physicians. KEY POINTS: SR and TNM classification are underutilized across participating centers for NSCLC staging. Software-assisted SR has emerged as a promising strategy for oncologic assessment. Software-assisted SR facilitates semi-automated TNM classification with improved staging accuracy compared to free-text reports in NSCLC.

Indexed as

LungNon-small-cell lung carcinomaPET-CTTNM classification

Identifiers

PMID39466506
PMCPMC11519274

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.