Automated Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Calculation Using Multimodal Image Registration for Prediction of Breast Cancer Treatment Response

Motivation: Tumor delineation is a challenging but critical step for ADC calculation in Diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI. Automated delineation methods are still underdeveloped for DW-MRI. Goal(s): To compare the predictive performance of manual vs. automated ADC values at multiple timepoints during neoadjuvant treatment. Approach: We used MRI data from the ACRIN 6698 trial for this analysis. Automated ADC values were computed using transformed ROIs from image registration between pre-contrast DCE and DWI (b=0). Results: Predictive performance improved with automated ADC values at 3-week timepoint and remained similar at 12-week and pre-surgery timepoints. Impact: This work offers a practical approach for automated ADC calculation, allowing radiologists to expedite clinical decisions for breast cancer patients at early treatment timepoints; therefore, improving patient care.