A prospective, multicenter imaging Delphi survey among European radiological societies for mCRC imaging standardization.
BACKGROUND: Computed Tomography (CT) is the imaging reference standard for initial staging and response assessment in randomized, controlled clinical trials (RCT) dealing with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, comparability of imaging data among recruiting centers in RCTs is highly hampered by diverging imaging protocols and different technical specifications. Over the last years, analysis of radiomic features in mCRC patients has gained increasing interest for image evaluation beyond the mere assessment of extent. Also, these radiomic features are highly susceptible to technical parameters such as slice thickness. Hence, comparability of radiomic features among recruiting centers are also highly limited due to diverging imaging protocols. AIMS: This prospective, multicenter imaging survey aims at assessing current differences regarding mCRC CT imaging protocols and technical specifications among large academic sites in Europe and at drafting a consensus imaging protocol endorsed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). METHODS: This survey will be in close cooperation of the EORTC Imaging Group, EORTC Gastro-intestinal Tract Group, European Society of Oncologic Imaging (ESOI) and European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR). Among the EORTC Imaging Group, EORTC Gastro-intestinal Tract Group, ESOI and ESGAR, imaging experts will be prospectively recruited and will serve as expert panelists in this prospective survey. Following the Delphi approach for survey conduction, several survey rounds will be performed. The answers of each survey round will be analyzed by the survey facilitators, blinded results will then be forwarded to the expert panelists prior to every following survey round. Statements / answers can then be modified by the expert panelists in the following survey round.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
40
Participation as expert panelist in the imaging survey.
Moderation and evaluation of the expert panel's answers. Adoption and moderation of further survey rounds.
Dept. of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich
Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Standardized imaging protocol consensus among panelists
Standardized imaging protocol among panelists after multiple rounds of Delphi consensus survey (technical parameters, e. g. contrast phases, oral contrast etc.)
Time frame: 6 months after finalization of the last survey round
Description of technical comparability of datasets for radiomic and AI analyses
During the Delphi-survey, local information regarding technical specifications in their departments (e. g. vendor, scanner type, contrast phases, slice thickness, oral contrast, kV, etc.) will be enquired. The results will be reported as descriptive statistics, e. g. on percentage distribution of a particular technical feature. This analyses will be performed with special regards to technical parameters that knowingly have a major impact on reproducibility of Radiomics features.
Time frame: 6 months after finalization of the last survey round
Description of heterogeneity of mCRC imaging protocols
During the Delphi-survey, local information regarding technical specifications in their departments (e. g. vendor, scanner type, contrast phases, slice thickness, oral contrast, kV, etc.) will be enquired. The results will be reported as descriptive statistics, e. g. on percentage distribution of a particular technical feature.
Time frame: 6 months after finalization of the last survey round
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.