Synthetic-based histogram analysis associated with depth of invasion predicted progression-free survival in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Motivation: Deeply infiltrating tumors have a poor prognosis and need close follow-up. Whether the depth of invasion could serve as a quantitative prognostic indicator in NPC. The prognostic assessment value of synthetic MRI (SyMRI) needs further analysis. Goal(s): To explore the value of two quantitative methods in prognostic assessment in NPC, including depth of invasion and SyMRI. Approach: This study prospectively included NPC patients, and utilized multiple statistical methods to construct and validate two methods. Results: Depth of invasion and SyMRI are important quantitative methods. Impact: Tumor invasion depth is an unignorable metric, and combining it with SyMRI may provide a quantitative and objective approach for clinical treatment.