Post-TACE changes in ADC histogram predict overall and transplant-free survival in patients with well-defined HCC: a retrospective cohort with up to 10 years follow-up

Objectives To evaluate the role of change in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram after the first transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in predicting overall and transplant-free survival in well-circumscribed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Institution database was searched for HCC patients who got conventional TACE during 2005–2016. One hundred four patients with well-circumscribed HCC and complete pre- and post-TACE liver MRI were included. Volumetric MRI metrics including tumor volume, mean ADC, skewness, and kurtosis of ADC histograms were measured. Univariate and multivariable Cox models were used to test the independent role of change in imaging parameters to predict survival. P values