Radiomics features of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for predicting response to transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE: To examine the methodological quality of radiomics-related studies and evaluate the ability of radiomics to predict treatment response to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: A systematic review was performed on radiomics-related studies published until October 15, 2022, predicting the effectiveness of TACE for HCC. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Radiomics Quality Score (RQS) and Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tools, respectively. Pooled sensitivity, pooled specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were determined to evaluate the utility of radiomics in predicting the response to TACE for HCC. RESULTS: In this systematic review, ten studies were eligible, and six of these studies were used in our meta-analysis. The RQS ranged from 7-21 (maximum possible score: 36). The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.89 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.79–0.95) and 0.82 (95% CI = 0.64–0.92), respectively. The overall AUC was 0.93 (95% CI = 0.90–0.95). CONCLUSION: Radiomics-related studies evaluating the efficacy of TACE in patients with HCC revealed promising results. However, prospective and multicenter trials are warranted to make radiomics more feasible and acceptable.