Novel deep learning algorithm based MRI radiomics for predicting lymph node metastases in rectal cancer

To explore the value of applying the MRI-based radiomic nomogram for predicting lymph node metastasis (LNM) in rectal cancer (RC). This retrospective analysis used data from 430 patients with RC from two medical centers. The patients were categorized into the LNM negative (LNM-) and LNM positive (LNM+) according to their surgical pathology results. We developed a physician model by selecting clinical independent predictors through physician assessments. Additionally, we developed deep learning radscore (DLRS) models by extracting deep features from multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) images. A nomogram model was constructed by combining the physician model and DLRS models. Among the patients, 192 (44.65%, 192/430) experienced LNM+. Six prediction models were developed, namely the physician model, three sequence models, the DLRS, and the nomogram. The physician model achieved AUC of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) values of 0.78, 0.79, and 0.7, whereas the sequence models, DLRS model, and nomogram model achieved AUC values ranging from 0.83 to 0.99. The predictive performance of the DLRS and nomogram models was superior to that of the physician model. DLRS and nomogram models based on mpMRI provided higher accuracy in predicting LNM status in patients with RC than the other models.