ADC values and prognosis of malignant astrocytomas: does lower ADC predict a worse prognosis independent of grade of tumor?--a meta-analysis

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2013 Mar;200(3):624-9. doi: 10.2214/AJR.12.8679.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this article is to determine via meta-analysis whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) predicts astrocytoma prognosis independent of grade.

Materials and methods: Survival data were subjected to Mantel Haenszel analysis in four qualifying studies. Stratification by tumor grade was also performed.

Results: The survival rates of malignant astrocytomas, grade 3 and 4 (p, 0.004 and < 0.0001, respectively) were worse below a specific ADC value, independent of grade.

Conclusion: Low ADC values correlate with poor survival in malignant astrocytomas independent of tumor grade.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Astrocytoma / mortality*
  • Astrocytoma / pathology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / mortality*
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Prognosis
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Survival Analysis
  • Survival Rate