Preoperative CT-based deep learning model for predicting overall survival in patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer

PURPOSE: High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is aggressive and has a high mortality rate. A Vit-based deep learning model was developed to predicting overall survival in HGSOC patients based on preoperative CT images. METHODS: 734 patients with HGSOC were retrospectively studied at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University with preoperative CT images and clinical information. The whole dataset was randomly split into training cohort (n = 550) and validation cohort (n = 184). A Vit-based deep learning model was built to output an independent prognostic risk score, afterward, a nomogram was then established for predicting overall survival. RESULTS: Our Vit-based deep learning model showed promising results in predicting survival in the training cohort (AUC = 0.822) and the validation cohort (AUC = 0.823). The multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the image score was an independent prognostic factor in the training (HR = 9.03, 95% CI: 4.38, 18.65) and validation cohorts (HR = 9.59, 95% CI: 4.20, 21.92). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicates that the image score obtained from model yields promising prognostic significance to refine the risk stratification of patients with HGSOC, and the integrative nomogram achieved a C-index of 0.74 in the training cohort and 0.72 in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Our model provides a non-invasive, simple, and feasible method to predicting overall survival in patients with HGSOC based on preoperative CT images, which could help predicting the survival prognostication and may facilitate clinical decision making in the era of individualized and precision medicine.