Time-dependent diffusion MRI-based microstructural mapping of cervical cancer: correlation with immunohistochemical biomarkers

Motivation: Some immunohistochemical (IHC) markers are gradually accepted as vital prognostic factors guiding therapy in cervical cancer (CC). Goal(s): This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of time-dependent diffusion MRI (td-dMRI)-based microstructural mapping and IHC status of CC. Approach: Quantitative information on cell microstructure are obtained by fitting the IMPULSED model to the td-dMRI data. Results: Intracellular fraction (fin) and cellularity were significantly correlated with the PD-L1 expression, respectively. In addition, fin and cellularity were significantly correlated with Ki-67. The results suggested that microstructural mapping might facilitate the establishment of novel diffusion-derived biomarkers to estimate IHC status and orient treatment of CC. Impact: The td-dMRI-based microstructural mapping showed the potential to estimate the IHC status of cervical cancer for the first time.