Yan HY, Zhang B, Han ZG, Ren JZ, Liu YQ. Research progress of the clinical application of dual-layer spectral computed tomography in gastrointestinal malignancies. World J Radiol 2026; 18(2): 115610 [DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v18.i2.115610]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Yan-Qing Liu, Haiyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 8 Haixin West Road, Longshan Street, Yantai 265106, Shandong Province, China. hyfl99@126.com
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Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
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Minireviews
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Feb 28, 2026 (publication date) through Feb 28, 2026
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World Journal of Radiology
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1949-8470
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Yan HY, Zhang B, Han ZG, Ren JZ, Liu YQ. Research progress of the clinical application of dual-layer spectral computed tomography in gastrointestinal malignancies. World J Radiol 2026; 18(2): 115610 [DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v18.i2.115610]
World J Radiol. Feb 28, 2026; 18(2): 115610 Published online Feb 28, 2026. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v18.i2.115610
Research progress of the clinical application of dual-layer spectral computed tomography in gastrointestinal malignancies
Hong-Yu Yan, Bing Zhang, Zhao-Guo Han, Jia-Zhong Ren, Yan-Qing Liu
Hong-Yu Yan, Department of Medical Imaging Center, Liaocheng People’s Hospital, Liaocheng 252000, Shandong Province, China
Bing Zhang, Department of Radiology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao 266011, Shandong Province, China
Zhao-Guo Han, Department of Nuclear Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy, Molecular Imaging Research, Harbin 150028, Heilongjiang Province, China
Jia-Zhong Ren, Department of Medical Imaging, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, China
Yan-Qing Liu, Haiyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yantai 265106, Shandong Province, China
Co-first authors: Hong-Yu Yan and Bing Zhang.
Co-corresponding authors: Jia-Zhong Ren and Yan-Qing Liu.
Author contributions: Yan HY conceptualized and designed the study, drafted the original manuscript; Zhang B, Ren JZ, Han ZG, Liu YQ supervised the study; Ren JZ made critical revisions; all authors prepared the draft and approved the submitted version; Yan HY and Zhang B have made crucial and indispensable contributions towards the completion of the project and thus qualified as the co-first authors of the paper; Ren JZ and Liu YQ have played important and indispensable roles in the experimental design, data interpretation and manuscript preparation as the co-corresponding authors.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Yan-Qing Liu, Haiyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 8 Haixin West Road, Longshan Street, Yantai 265106, Shandong Province, China. hyfl99@126.com
Received: November 10, 2025 Revised: December 31, 2025 Accepted: January 15, 2026 Published online: February 28, 2026 Processing time: 107 Days and 3.9 Hours
Abstract
Gastrointestinal malignancies were the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide in 2022. Owing to the absence of typical clinical symptoms at an early stage, most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage when the disease has usually progressed to distant metastasis. Biological agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and precision radiotherapy have enhanced the efficacy of systemic treatment for locally advanced and metastatic gastrointestinal malignancies. Monitoring tumor malignancy, performing molecular testing of tumors, formulating precise treatment strategies, and evaluating patient prognosis have emerged as key focus areas of research on gastrointestinal malignancies. Dual-layer spectral computed tomography (DLCT) can be used not only to assess tumor histological features but also to quantify them, providing information regarding changes in the tumor microenvironment. Spectral computed tomography is a crucial tool for the initial diagnosis, staging, response evaluation, and follow-up management of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies. This review summarizes the research progress of the clinical application of DLCT in some types of gastrointestinal malignancies, such as esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers.
Core Tip: Dual-layer spectral computed tomography (DLCT) achieves true instantaneous dual-energy acquisition through innovative dual-layer detector design, accurately obtaining information for anatomical structure and spectral image. This enables DLCT distinct advantages in detecting gastrointestinal malignancies compared with traditional endoscopic examination. Abundant quantitative parameters and integration of artificial intelligence will further expand the application filed of DLCT in molecular typing, clinical stage, efficacy monitoring and precise management for gastrointestinal malignancy patients.
