Predicting the Degree of Differentiation of Pancreatic Cancer: A Comparative Study of Four MRI Diffusion Models

Motivation: This study aims to determine the value of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), intro-voxel incoherent movement (IVIM), continuous-time random walk (CTRW), and fractional order calculus (FROC) in assessing the degree of differentiation of pancreatic cancer. Goal(s): The objective is to identify the most effective quantitative diffusion metrics for assessing the degree of differentiation in pancreatic cancer. Approach: Four MRI diffusion models were generated using DXI technology to quantitatively evaluate the degree of differentiation in pancreatic cancer. Results: Significant differences were observed between the low-grade PDAC group and the high-grade PDAC group in terms of these metrics (KDKI, αCTRW, μFROC). Impact: These advanced diffusion models hold potential as noninvasive tools for predicting the degree of differentiation in pancreatic cancer, facilitating personalized management strategies for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).