Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42188706›Full record

SynthesisTomography (Ann Arbor, Mich.)2026

Quantitative Consistency of Amide Proton Transfer-Weighted MRI for Brain Tumor Differentiation: Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence.

Julius Juhyun Chung, Tianwen Ma, Phaethon Philbrook, Toby Zhou, Adam Ezra Goldman-Yassen, Phillip Zhe Sun

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Tomography (Ann Arbor, Mich.), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing 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

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

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

6 authors.

Julius Juhyun ChungNon-Human-Primate Imaging Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.ORCID 0000-0002-1513-5181
Tianwen MaDepartment of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Phaethon PhilbrookDepartment of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA.
Toby ZhouEmory College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Adam Ezra Goldman-YassenDepartment of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA.
Phillip Zhe SunNon-Human-Primate Imaging Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.

Funding

Emory University I3 Medical Technology Research AwardGeorgia Clinical and Translational Award, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences NCATS, UL1-TR002378Georgia Tech/Emory Biolocity Program SupportNIH HHS 2R01NS083654
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND/

objectivesAccurate grading of brain gliomas is important, and amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) MRI shows promise for non-invasive tumor differentiation. This study aimed to perform a comprehensive review and meta-analyses to demonstrate heterogeneity in both the diagnostic accuracy and quantitative consistency of APTw MRI in distinguishing high-grade gliomas (HGGs) from low-grade gliomas (LGGs), highlight issues with reporting standards and identify sources of heterogeneity through meta-regression.

methodsA systematic literature search was conducted between 1 January 2013 and 18 January 2026, following PRISMA guidelines. Peer-reviewed articles in English reporting diagnostic accuracy/contrast values of APTw MRI and study parameters were included. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to extract the principal components (PCs) of the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) contrast mechanism. Random-effects meta-analyses and univariate meta-regression models using individual CEST parameters and three PCs were performed. Forest plots with pooled estimates were generated. Leave-one-out meta-analysis (LOOMA) and complete case analysis were performed to examine the effects of outliers and missing data, respectively.

resultsA total of 31 studies were included. Meta-analyses of the AUC and mean difference demonstrated significant heterogeneity across the studies (I

conclusionsWhile APTw MRI shows promise for non-invasively distinguishing glioma grades, substantial heterogeneity in the study parameters limits generalizability. To improve consistency and comparability across studies, full reports of imaging parameters and standardization of APTw protocols are essential.

Indexed as

Brain NeoplasmsGliomaMagnetic Resonance ImagingAmidesDiagnosis, DifferentialHumansNeoplasm GradingProtonsAmidesProtonsamide proton transferbrain tumor gradingchemical exchange saturation transfer

Identifiers

PMID42188706
PMCPMC13210856

What OpenQuestion holds

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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.