Predicting Treatment Response to Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients using a Deep Learning-based Approach.

objectivesThis study aimed to assess the effectiveness and precision of a deep learning-based model in forecasting the early response of HCC patients to TACE.

methodsA comprehensive review of HCC-TACE data involving 111 patients with HCC was carried out, encompassing both pre-TACE MR images (captured before the first TACE) and post-TACE imaging (acquired between 30 and 60 days following TACE). Based on the mRECIST criteria, patients were divided into two cohorts: a training dataset (91 subjects, 645 images) and a test dataset (20 subjects, 155 images). A deep learningbased model utilizing LeNet architecture with an attention mechanism was developed, targeting the prediction of HCC patients' response to TACE. The robustness and accuracy of the model were examined via ROC curves and confusion matrices.

resultsPost-TACE treatment, 56 patients (50.5%) manifested an objective response (CR+PR), whereas 55 patients (49.5%) exhibited no response (SD+PD). Concerning the model's predictive ability for TACE response, the AUC was found to be 0.760 in the training dataset and 0.729 in the test dataset. The model's prediction accuracy was further corroborated by the confusion matrix, revealing an average accuracy of 70.7% in the training dataset and 72.3% in the test dataset.

conclusionImplementing a deep learning-based model using MRI data is potent for forecasting HCC patients' response to TACE treatment. The novel LeNet model with the attention mechanism conceived in this study contributes valuable insights that can guide the formulation of effective treatment strategies.