Hao L, Zhang ZN, Han S, Li SS, Lin SX, Miao YD. New frontiers in hepatocellular carcinoma: Precision imaging for microvascular invasion prediction. World J Gastroenterol 2025; 31(8): 102224 [DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v31.i8.102224]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Yan-Dong Miao, Cancer Center, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, The 2nd Medical College of Binzhou Medical University, No. 717 Jinbu Street, Muping District, Yantai 264100, Shandong Province, China. miaoyd_22@bzmc.edu.cn
Research Domain of This Article
Oncology
Article-Type of This Article
Letter to the Editor
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Liang Hao, Zhao-Nan Zhang, Shuang Han, Shan-Shan Li, Si-Xiang Lin, Yan-Dong Miao, Cancer Center, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, The 2nd Medical College of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264100, Shandong Province, China
Co-first authors: Liang Hao and Zhao-Nan Zhang.
Co-corresponding authors: Si-Xiang Lin and Yan-Dong Miao.
Author contributions: Hao L and Zhang ZN performed the literature retrieval and wrote the manuscript; Han S and Li SS performed the data analysis. Hao L and Zhang ZN contributed equally to this work; Lin SX and Miao YD were designated as co-corresponding authors; Lin SX was responsible for the evolution of overarching research goals and aims, specifically critical review, management, and coordination for the research activity planning and execution, while Miao YD was responsible for review and editing of the draft, oversight, and leadership for the research activity planning and execution, including mentorship external to the core team and acquisition of the financial support for the project leading to this publication. All authors approved the final manuscript.
Supported by Shandong Province Medical and Health Science and Technology Development Plan Project, No. 202203030713; and Science and Technology Program of Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, No. YTFY2022KYQD06.
Conflict-of-interest statement: There is no conflict of interest associated with any of the senior authors or other coauthors who contributed their efforts to this manuscript.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Yan-Dong Miao, Cancer Center, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, The 2nd Medical College of Binzhou Medical University, No. 717 Jinbu Street, Muping District, Yantai 264100, Shandong Province, China. miaoyd_22@bzmc.edu.cn
Received: October 12, 2024 Revised: January 2, 2025 Accepted: January 10, 2025 Published online: February 28, 2025 Processing time: 102 Days and 20.2 Hours
Abstract
This paper highlights the innovative approach and findings of the recently published study by Xu et al, which underscores the integration of radiomics and clinicoradiological factors to enhance the preoperative prediction of microvascular invasion in patients with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC). The study’s use of contrast-enhanced computed tomography radiomics to construct predictive models offers a significant advancement in the surgical planning and management of HBV-HCC, potentially transforming patient outcomes through more personalized treatment strategies. This editorial commends the study's contribution to precision medicine and discusses its implications for future research and clinical practice.
Core Tip: The integration of precision medicine in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management is crucial for tailoring treatment to individual patient characteristics, and leveraging radiomics serves as a powerful non-invasive tool for predicting microvascular invasion preoperatively, thereby guiding more informed surgical decisions. To enhance the robustness and applicability of predictive models, multicentric studies involving diverse populations should be promoted, alongside the integration of radiomics with genetic and molecular markers for a more comprehensive understanding of the tumor microenvironment. Embracing advancements in imaging technologies and conducting cost-effectiveness analyses are essential for justifying the adoption of radiomics in clinical practice. Additionally, addressing ethical considerations regarding patient data privacy and promoting the use of radiomics in prospective clinical trials can help validate their effectiveness in real-world settings. Investing in training for healthcare professionals will improve their interpretation of radiomics data, facilitating its routine use, while fostering collaboration among oncologists, radiologists, data scientists, and researchers will continually refine predictive models and enhance their utility in managing HCC.
