title: Evaluation of pre-radiotherapy apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC): patterns of recurrence and survival outcomes analysis in patients treated for glioblastoma multiforme.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the association of pre-radiotherapy apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) abnormalities with patterns of recurrence and outcomes in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-two patients with recurrent GBM were retrospectively evaluated. Diffusion MRI images were acquired for all patients postoperatively prior to radiotherapy. ADC images were evaluated for geographic regions of diffusion restriction (hypointensity) within the FLAIR volume. If identified, the ADC map and the T1+C MRI at the time of recurrence were registered to the original plan to determine the pattern of recurrence and the coverage of the ADC abnormality by the 60 Gy isodose line (IDL). Progression-free and overall survival was determined for patients with and without an ADC hypointensity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An ADC hypointensity was identified in 32 (62%) of cases. The recurrence pattern in these cases was central in 27/32 (84%), marginal in 4/32 (13%) and distant in 1/32 (3%). The recurrence overlapped with the ADC hypointensity in 28 (88%) patients. The ADC hypointensity was covered by 95% of the 60 Gy IDL in all cases. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed inferior progression free survival and overall survival in patients with an ADC hypointensity compared to those without, despite similarities between the groups in terms of age, RT dose, performance status, and extent of resection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The presence of an ADC hypointensity on pre-radiotherapy diffusion-weighted imaging is associated with the location of tumor recurrence as demonstrated by frequent overlap in this series, and is associated with a trend toward inferior outcomes. This abnormality may reflect a high risk region of hypercellularity and warrants consideration with respect to radiotherapy planning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9200 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Froedtert Hospital East Clinics 3rd Floor, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA, aelson1672@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Elson
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Paulson
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bovi
authors.forename: Malika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Siker
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schultz
authors.forename: Peter S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Laviolette
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000401:mortality* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000401:mortality* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate