A Spotlight on the Role of Radiomics and Machine-Learning Applications in the Management of Intracranial Meningiomas: A New Perspective in Neuro-Oncology: A Review

Abstract

Background: In recent decades, the application of machine learning technologies to medical imaging has opened up new perspectives in neuro-oncology, in the so-called radiomics field. Radiomics offer new insight into glioma, aiding in clinical decision-making and patients’ prognosis evaluation. Although meningiomas represent the most common primary CNS tumor and the majority of them are benign and slow-growing tumors, a minor part of them show a more aggressive behavior with an increased proliferation rate and a tendency to recur. Therefore, their treatment may represent a challenge. Methods: According to PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review was performed. We included selected articles (meta-analysis, review, retrospective study, and case–control study) concerning the application of radiomics method in the preoperative diagnostic and prognostic algorithm, and planning for intracranial meningiomas. We also analyzed the contribution of radiomics in differentiating meningiomas from other CNS tumors with similar radiological features. Results: In the first research stage, 273 papers were identified. After a careful screening according to inclusion/exclusion criteria, 39 articles were included in this systematic review. Conclusions: Several preoperative features have been identified to increase preoperative intracranial meningioma assessment for guiding decision-making processes. The development of valid and reliable non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic modalities could have a significant clinical impact on meningioma treatment.

Keywords

• radiomics
• machine learning
• deep learning
• meningioma
• medical imaging
• neuro-oncology