MRI‐Based Deep‐Learning Model for Distant Metastasis‐Free Survival in Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Background Distant metastasis is the primary cause of treatment failure in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC). Purpose To develop a model to evaluate distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) in LANPC and to explore the value of additional chemotherapy to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for different risk groups. Study Type Retrospective. Population In all, 233 patients with biopsy‐confirmed nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) from two hospitals. Field Strength 1.5T and 3T. Sequence Axial T2‐weighted (T2‐w) and contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted (CET1‐w) images. Assessment Deep learning was used to build a model based on MRI images (including axial T2‐w and CET1‐w images) and clinical variables. Hospital 1 patients were randomly divided into training (n = 169) and validation (n = 19) cohorts; Hospital 2 patients were assigned to a testing cohort (n = 45). LANPC patients were divided into low‐ and high‐risk groups according to their DMFS (P