Multidisciplinary, Cancer Research, Artificial Intelligence
22
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Generating synthetic CEM from low-energy images using deep learning: A future without contrast media? A proof-of-concept study Konstantinos Zormpas-Petridis, Reza Kalantar, Ludovica Iaccarino, Matteo Mancino, Gianluca Franceschini, Paola Clauser, Valentina Longo, Evis Sala, Paolo Belli, Anna D’Angelo European Radiology Experimental, 2026 Objective We used deep learning to generate synthetic, resembling in appearance, iodine-enhanced, mammograms from low-energy contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) images. Materials and methods We retrospectively selected 140 CEM examinations. We trained a two-dimensional cycle-generative adversarial network on 390 images in 100 patients (195 breasts; 102 positive and 93 negative for lesion detection) using paired low-energy and iodine-enhanced images as input and output, respectively. We validated our model in 40 test patients (63 breasts; 37 positive and 26 negative for lesion detection) by calculating the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for low-energy, synthetic, and clinical iodine-enhanced images and the mean absolute error (MAE) and similarity index metric (SSIM) between clinical and synthetic iodine-enhanced images regarding their changes from low-energy. Three radiologists scored (a-to-d) the test set images for background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) and lesion detection (yes/no) on clinical and synthetic images. The presence of artifacts was reported on all images. Results We observed a high correlation between clinical and synthetic iodine-enhanced images regarding their changes from low-energy: MAE, r = 0.99; SSIM, r = 0.80. CNR was -0.015/-0.16 ± 0.23/0.05 (mean ± standard deviation) for clinical/synthetic, respectively. A “halo” artifact present in above 50% of the clinical iodine-enhanced images was corrected in the synthetic ones. On synthetic images, BPE (scores a–b versus c–d) was 85.8% accurate. Lesion detection accuracy was 89.4% and 79.4%, sensitivity 87.4 and 72.1%, and specificity 92.3% and 90.0% for clinical and synthetic images, respectively. Conclusions Deep learning holds the potential to generate synthetic iodine-enhanced mammograms from low-energy images. Relevance statement Radiologists could perform some clinical tasks, such as lesion detection and BPE estimation on synthetic iodine-enhanced images, without contrast injection. Key Points Our deep learning model generated synthetic iodine-enhanced images that visually resembled the clinical iodine-enhanced images. Radiologists could use the synthetic images to perform clinical tasks, such as lesion detection and BPE evaluation. Our model can improve image quality by removing common artifacts, including the breast-in-breast (halo). Our method is a way to combine the benefits of CEM while sparing the need for contrast media. Graphical Abstract
Homologous recombination deficiency in Ovarian cancer: The game-changer for first-line maintenance therapy Maria Chiara Cannizzaro, Angelo Minucci, Konstantinos Zormpas-Petridis, Viola Ghizzoni, Anna Fagotti, Domenica Lorusso, Vanda Salutari, Camilla Nero Critical Reviews in Oncology Hematology, 2026 Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) plays a central role in the pathogenesis and therapeutic vulnerability of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), particularly in high-grade serous subtypes. HRD reflects the inability of tumor cells to accurately repair DNA double-strand breaks, rendering them sensitive to platinum-based chemotherapy and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. Several genomic assays have been developed to identify HRD status through the detection of genomic instability patterns, with varying degrees of clinical validation and regulatory approval. Beyond widely adopted assays such as Myriad myChoice® CDx and FoundationFocus™ CDx BRCA LOH, innovative approaches including the Leuven PARPi Benefit Test, circulating tumor DNA-based methods, and artificial intelligence-driven computational pathology are reshaping the diagnostic landscape. Nevertheless, important challenges remain, including the static nature of genomic scar assays, the impact of tumor heterogeneity, and the emergence of resistance through reversion mutations. Functional assays and integrative strategies may provide more dynamic insights into real-time DNA repair capacity, thereby supporting more accurate patient selection and treatment monitoring. Cost-effectiveness analyses further support the integration of HRD testing at diagnosis, highlighting its role in guiding optimal use of PARP inhibitors and improving healthcare resource allocation. This review summarizes the biological rationale, diagnostic methods, therapeutic implications, and economic considerations of HRD in EOC, with a focus on first-line maintenance strategies and future directions in precision oncology.
Unraveling Tumor Heterogeneity in Gynecological Cancer Using a Radiogenomics Approach Miriam Dolciami, Veronica Celli, Camilla Panico, Konstantinos Zormpas Petridis, Camilla Nero, Maria Chiara Cannizzaro, Alessandra Iacono, Pietro Paolo Maria Azzaro, Giacomo Avesani, Anna Fagotti, Evis Sala Rofo Fortschritte Auf Dem Gebiet Der Rontgenstrahlen Und Der Bildgebenden Verfahren, 2026 Ovarian cancer (OC) and endometrial cancer (EC) are highly heterogeneous gynecological malignancies with distinct molecular subtypes, therapeutic responses, and clinical outcomes. Traditional biopsy-based profiling often fails to capture the spatial and temporal complexity of these tumors. Radiogenomics, integrating imaging features with genomic and molecular data, has emerged as a promising approach to non-invasively analyze tumor heterogeneity. The purpose of this abstract is to critically examine and synthesize existing research on the application of radiogenomics in OC and EC, focusing on its ability to correlate imaging phenotypes with molecular biomarkers. This narrative review aims to demonstrate how radiogenomics can enhance tumor characterization, support biomarker prediction, and inform prognosis and therapeutic decision-making with non-invasive methods. This narrative review critically synthesizes current literature on radiogenomics applications in OC and EC. Studies using CT, MRI, and PET imaging were evaluated for their ability to correlate imaging phenotypes with molecular biomarkers, gene expression profiles, and clinical outcomes. The analysis emphasizes the role of radiogenomics in enhancing tumor characterization, predicting biomarker status, forecasting treatment response and prognosis. Radiogenomics has successfully identified associations between imaging features and key molecular alterations, such as BRCA mutations, homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), and immune-related biomarkers in OC, as well as POLE mutations, microsatellite instability (MSI), and tumor mutational burden (TMB) in EC. Predictive models incorporating radiomic features have demonstrated notable performance in estimating prognosis, treatment response, and recurrence risk across both cancer types. Radiogenomics has a strong potential to enhance personalized cancer care by analyzing tumor heterogeneity. However, clinical application requires methodological standardization, prospective validation, and integration into precision oncology workflows.
Towards quantitative MRI Driving online adaptive MRgRT for lung tumors I. Moretti, M. Nardini, C. Mazzarella, A. Romano, G. Chiloiro, G. Panza, M. Galetto, H.E. Tran, K. Zormpas-Petridis, L. Boldrini, M.De Spirito, L. Placidi Physica Medica, 2026 INTRODUCTION: Successful delivery of lung cancer radiotherapy is hindered by respiratory motion, low soft-tissue contrast and anatomical variabilities, often compromising precision. Magnetic Resonance Image-guided Radiotherapy (MRgRT) has emerged as a promising approach, particularly with hybrid MR-Linac systems that offer superior soft-tissue visualization and enable online adaptive radiotherapy (online MRgART). PURPOSE: This review synthesizes current evidence for online MRgART in lung cancer and examines emerging roles for quantitative MRI (qMRI). A PubMed search covering the period from January 2020 to September 2025 identified 19 studies, 3 of which focused specifically on quantitative imaging. MAIN FINDINGS: Online MRgART consistently demonstrated workflow feasibility, frequent online adaptation, improved target coverage while respecting Organs-At-Risk (OARs) constraints and encouraging Local Control (LC) with low high-grade toxicity. qMRI on MR-Linacs, most commonly Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) and cine-MRI-derived ventilation/perfusion mapping, showed feasibility and early signals for treatment adaptation, toxicity prediction and response assessment. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS: qMRI studies integrated in online MRgART for lungs are, at present, extremely limited; nevertheless, establishing a clear snapshot of the current state-of-the-art is essential, as this topic is expected to become highly prevalent and of particular interest in the near future. To our knowledge, this is the first review centered on online MRgART for lung tumors, with a dedicated subsection summarizing the nascent evidence on qMRI. Looking ahead, integrating AI-driven motion compensation, auto-segmentation and adaptive replanning with qMRI-enabled biomarkers could standardize workflows and accelerate truly personalized online MRgART. Prospective multi-center studies are needed to validate biomarkers and demonstrate clinical benefit.
Evaluating the quality of radiomics-based studies for endometrial cancer using RQS and METRICS tools Luca Russo, Silvia Bottazzi, Burak Kocak, Konstantinos Zormpas-Petridis, Benedetta Gui, Arnaldo Stanzione, Massimo Imbriaco, Evis Sala, Renato Cuocolo, Andrea Ponsiglione European Radiology, 2025 Objective To assess the methodological quality of radiomics-based models in endometrial cancer using the radiomics quality score (RQS) and METhodological radiomICs score (METRICS). Methods We systematically reviewed studies published by October 30th, 2023. Inclusion criteria were original radiomics studies on endometrial cancer using CT, MRI, PET, or ultrasound. Articles underwent a quality assessment by novice and expert radiologists using RQS and METRICS. The inter-rater reliability for RQS and METRICS among radiologists with varying expertise was determined. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess whether scores varied according to study topic, imaging technique, publication year, and journal quartile. Results Sixty-eight studies were analysed, with a median RQS of 11 (IQR, 9–14) and METRICS score of 67.6% (IQR, 58.8–76.0); two different articles reached maximum RQS of 19 and METRICS of 90.7%, respectively. Most studies utilised MRI (82.3%) and machine learning methods (88.2%). Characterisation and recurrence risk stratification were the most explored outcomes, featured in 35.3% and 19.1% of articles, respectively. High inter-rater reliability was observed for both RQS (ICC: 0.897; 95% CI: 0.821, 0.946) and METRICS (ICC: 0.959; 95% CI: 0.928, 0.979). Methodological limitations such as lack of external validation suggest areas for improvement. At subgroup analyses, no statistically significant difference was noted. Conclusions Whilst using RQS, the quality of endometrial cancer radiomics research was apparently unsatisfactory, METRICS depicts a good overall quality. Our study highlights the need for strict compliance with quality metrics. Adhering to these quality measures can increase the consistency of radiomics towards clinical application in the pre-operative management of endometrial cancer. Clinical relevance statement Both the RQS and METRICS can function as instrumental tools for identifying different methodological deficiencies in endometrial cancer radiomics research. However, METRICS also reflected a focus on the practical applicability and clarity of documentation. Key Points The topic of radiomics currently lacks standardisation, limiting clinical implementation. METRICS scores were generally higher than the RQS, reflecting differences in the development process and methodological content. A positive trend in METRICS score may suggest growing attention to methodological aspects in radiomics research.
Radiology and multi-scale data integration for precision oncology Hania Paverd, Konstantinos Zormpas-Petridis, Hannah Clayton, Sarah Burge, Mireia Crispin-Ortuzar Npj Precision Oncology, 2024 In this Perspective paper we explore the potential of integrating radiological imaging with other data types, a critical yet underdeveloped area in comparison to the fusion of other multi-omic data. Radiological images provide a comprehensive, three-dimensional view of cancer, capturing features that would be missed by biopsies or other data modalities. This paper explores the complexities and challenges of incorporating medical imaging into data integration models, in the context of precision oncology. We present the different categories of imaging-omics integration and discuss recent progress, highlighting the opportunities that arise from bringing together spatial data on different scales.
Auto-segmentation of pelvic organs at risk on 0.35T MRI using 2D and 3D Generative Adversarial Network models Marica Vagni, Huong Elena Tran, Angela Romano, Giuditta Chiloiro, Luca Boldrini, Konstantinos Zormpas-Petridis, Maria Kawula, Guillaume Landry, Christopher Kurz, Stefanie Corradini, Claus Belka, Luca Indovina, Maria Antonietta Gambacorta, Lorenzo Placidi, Davide Cusumano Physica Medica, 2024 PurposeManual recontouring of targets and Organs At Risk (OARs) is a time-consuming and operator-dependent task. We explored the potential of Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) to auto-segment the rectum, bladder and femoral heads on 0.35T MRIs to accelerate the online MRI-guided-Radiotherapy (MRIgRT) workflow.Methods3D planning MRIs from 60 prostate cancer patients treated with 0.35T MR-Linac were collected. A 3D GAN architecture and its equivalent 2D version were trained, validated and tested on 40, 10 and 10 patients respectively. The volumetric Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) and 95th percentile Hausdorff Distance (HD95th) were computed against expert drawn ground-truth delineations. The networks were also validated on an independent external dataset of 16 patients.ResultsIn the internal test set, the 3D and 2D GANs showed DSC/HD95th of 0.83/9.72 mm and 0.81/10.65 mm for the rectum, 0.92/5.91 mm and 0.85/15.72 mm for the bladder, and 0.94/3.62 mm and 0.90/9.49 mm for the femoral heads. In the external test set, the performance was 0.74/31.13 mm and 0.72/25.07 mm for the rectum, 0.92/9.46 mm and 0.88/11.28 mm for the bladder, and 0.89/7.00 mm and 0.88/10.06 mm for the femoral heads. The 3D and 2D GANs required on average 1.44 s and 6.59 s respectively to generate the OARs’ volumetric segmentation for a single patient.ConclusionsThe proposed 3D GAN auto-segments pelvic OARs with high accuracy on 0.35T, in both the internal and the external test sets, outperforming its 2D equivalent in both segmentation robustness and volume generation time.
MRI imaging of the hemodynamic vasculature of neuroblastoma predicts response to antiangiogenic treatment Konstantinos Zormpas-Petridis, Neil P. Jerome, Matthew D. Blackledge, Fernando Carceller, Evon Poon, Matthew Clarke, Ciara M. McErlean, Giuseppe Barone, Alexander Koers, Sucheta J. Vaidya, Lynley V. Marshall, Andrew D.J. Pearson, Lucas Moreno, John Anderson, Neil Sebire, Kieran McHugh, Dow-Mu Koh, Yinyin Yuan, Louis Chesler, Simon P. Robinson, Yann Jamin Cancer Research, 2019