Evaluation of PD-1/PD-L1 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Intravoxel Incoherent Motion: A Diagnostic Perspective

Motivation: In clinical practice of hepatocellular carcinoma, there are lacking in preoperative and pre-medication results regarding immunosuppressive checkpoint inhibitors PD-1 and PD-L1. Goal(s): This study aimed to evaluate the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 using intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) before surgery and immunotherapy. Approach: Immunohistochemistry staining was performed on liver cancer tissue to analyze the correlation between immunohistochemistry results and derived parameters (D, D*, and f) from IVIM and ADC, allowing for the assessment of their diagnostic value. Results: The parameters D and D* from IVIM had statistically significant differences between the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1. Impact: The results of this study may have an impact on clinical decision-making in the future and demonstrate a favorable outcome for scientific research in the immune microenvironment.