The role of feature-based radiomics for predicting response and radiation injury after stereotactic radiation therapy for brain metastases: A critical review by the Young Group of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (yAIRO).

Abstract Introduction differential diagnosis of tumor recurrence and radiation injury after stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) is challenging. The advances in imaging techniques and feature-based radiomics could aid to discriminate radionecrosis from progression. Methods we performed a systematic review of current literature, key references were obtained from a PubMed query. Data extraction was performed by 3 researchers and disagreements were resolved with a discussion among the authors. Results we identified 15 retrospective series, one prospective trial, one critical review and one editorial paper. Radiomics involves a wide range of imaging features referred to necrotic regions, rate of contrast-enhancing area or the measure of edema surrounding the metastases. Features were mainly defined through a multistep extraction/reduction/selection process and a final validation and comparison. Conclusions feature-based radiomics has an optimal potential to accurately predict response and radionecrosis after SRT of BM and facilitate differential diagnosis. Further validation studies are eagerly awaited to confirm radiomics reliability.