AI-powered Renal Tumor Prediction Model Helps Make Preoperative Diagnosis More Accurate

The much-anticipated 39th European Association of Urology Annual Meeting (EAU24) in 2024 will be held in Paris, France from April 5th to 8th local time. As the largest and most influential urology conference in Europe, EAU24 has an extraordinary influence on the international urology community. This event not only attracted urology experts and scholars from all over the world but also brought together the latest research results and cutting-edge technologies in the field of urology, injecting new vitality into the development of the field of urology.

Click to Cistanche for kidney disease

Artificial intelligence uses real-world data to predict the pathological characteristics and clinical outcomes of renal tumors through preoperative multi-phase CT images

1 Research background

With the popularization of imaging examination technologies such as CT and MRI, the detection rate of asymptomatic renal tumors is increasing year by year. For such incidentally discovered renal masses, treatment decisions are often made in the absence of clear pathological conditions. Therefore, improving the diagnostic accuracy of benign and malignant renal tumors and further distinguishing the degree of malignancy (invasive/indolent) of renal tumors is crucial for the selection of subsequent treatment options.

2 Research design

The research team analyzed 4,557 cases in six domestic hospitals including Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated with Fudan University, First People's Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University, Zhangye People's Hospital, Quanzhou People's Hospital, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated with Fudan University Xiamen Hospital, and five public tumor imaging databases. From 13,261 preoperative CT images of patients, two multi-phase neural convolutional networks were used to construct a deep-learning diagnostic model for predicting benign, malignant, and invasive renal tumors. Survival differences between AI-predicted indolent and aggressive tumors were compared using Kaplan-Meir analysis and Cox regression analysis. Assess the genomic, transcriptomic, and immune landscape using bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemistry.

3 Research results

The benign and malignant diagnostic models have better prediction performance than the current radionics prediction model and RENAL score prediction model in each validation cohort. The AUC value reaches 0.853~0.898 in different validation cohorts, and its diagnostic accuracy exceeds that of the prospective validation cohort. The average performance of seven experienced radiologists. Moreover, AI diagnostic models can help radiologists significantly improve diagnostic accuracy.

The deep learning model that distinguishes aggressive tumors from indolent tumors also outperforms the current radionics model and RENAL score prediction model in various validation cohorts, with AUC values reaching 0.763~0.792 in different validation cohorts. In the external validation cohort, AI-predicted aggressive kidney cancer had significantly shorter survival than AI-predicted indolent kidney cancer [disease-specific survival (DSS), p<0.001, HR=20.81; recurrence-free survival (RFS) , p<0.001, HR=9.71; overall survival (OS), p<0.001, HR=13.27]. The invasiveness probability score determined by AI can be used as an independent adverse prognostic factor for patient survival outcomes, and its predictive effect on clinical outcomes is higher than postoperative pathological indicators such as TNM staging and the WHO/ISUP grading system. Finally, bioinformatics analysis showed that aggressive renal cancer has an immunosuppressive microenvironment with higher infiltration of CD8+ T cells and regulatory T cells than indolent renal cancer.

4 Research conclusions

A deep learning model can non-invasively predict the likelihood of malignant and invasive lesions in renal masses based on preoperative multi-phase CT images. Additionally, AI-predicted invasive distemper was associated with poorer survival outcomes.

How Does Cistanche Treat Kidney Disease?

Cistanche is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including kidney disease. It is derived from the dried stems of Cistanche deserticola, a plant native to the deserts of China and Mongolia. The main active components of cistanche are phenylethanoid glycosides, echinacoside, and acteoside, which have been found to have beneficial effects on kidney health.

Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, refers to a condition in which the kidneys are not functioning properly. This can result in a buildup of waste products and toxins in the body, leading to various symptoms and complications. Cistanche may help treat kidney disease ase through several mechanisms.

Firstly, cistanche has been found to have diuretic properties, meaning it can increase urine production and help eliminate waste products from the body. This can help relieve the burden on the kidneys and prevent the buildup of toxins. By promoting diuresis, cistanche may also help Reduce high blood pressure, a common complication of kidney disease.

Moreover, cistanche has been shown to have antioxidant effects. Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's antioxidant defenses, plays a key role in the progression of kidney disease. ies help neutralize free radicals and reduce Oxidative stress, thereby protecting the kidneys from damage. The phenylethanoid glycosides found in cistanche have been particularly effective in scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.

Additionally, cistanche has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is another key factor in the development and progression of kidney disease. Cistanche's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit the activation of inflammation mandatory pathways, thus alleviating inflammation in the kidneys.

Furthermore, cistanche has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects. In kidney disease, the immune system can be dysregulated, leading to excessive inflammation and tissue damage. Cistanche helps regulate the immune response by modulating the production and activity of immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages. This immune regulation helps reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the kidneys.

Moreover, cistanche has been found to improve renal function by promoting the regeneration of renal tubes with cells. Renal tubular epithelial cells play a crucial role in the filtration and reabsorption of waste products and electrolytes. In kidney disease, these cells can be damaged, leading to damaged renal function. Cistanche's ability to promote the regeneration of these cells helps restore proper renal function and improve overall kidney health.

In addition to these direct effects on the kidneys, cistanche has been found to have beneficial effects on other organs and systems in the body. This holistic approach to health is particularly important in kidney disease, as the condition often affects multiple organs and systems. che has been shown to have protective effects on the liver, heart, and blood vessels, which are commonly affected by kidney disease. By promoting the health of these organs, cistanche helps improve overall kidney function and prevent further complications.

In conclusion, cistanche is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat kidney disease. Its active components have diuretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative effects, which help improve renal function and protect the kidneys from further damage. , cistanche has beneficial effects on other organs and systems, making it a holistic approach to treating kidney disease.