CT-based radiomics model using stability selection for predicting the WHO/ISUP grade of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to develop a model to predict World Health Organization/International Society of Urological Pathology (WHO/ISUP) low-grade or high-grade clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) using 3D multi-phase enhanced computed tomography (CT) radiomics features (RFs). Methods CT data of 138 low-grade and 60 high-grade ccRCC cases were included. RFs were extracted from four CT phases: non-contrast phase (NCP), cortico-medullary phase (CMP), nephrographic phase (NP), and excretory phase (EP). Models were developed using various combinations of RFs and subjected to cross-validation. Results There were 107 RFs extracted from each phase of the CT images. The NCP-EP model had the best overall predictive value (AUC = 0.78), but did not significantly differ from that of the NCP model (AUC = 0.76). By considering the predictive ability of the model, the level of radiation exposure, and model simplicity, the overall best model was the Conventional image and clinical features (CICFs)-NCP model (AUC = 0.77; sensitivity 0.75, specificity 0.69, positive predictive value 0.85, negative predictive value 0.54, accuracy 0.73). The second-best model was the NCP model (AUC = 0.76). Conclusions Combining clinical features with unenhanced CT images of the kidneys seems to be optimal for prediction of WHO/ISUP grade of ccRCC. This noninvasive method may assist in guiding more accurate treatment decisions for ccRCC. Advances in knowledge This study innovatively employed stability selection for RFs, enhancing model reliability. The CICFs-NCP model's simplicity and efficacy mark a significant advancement, offering a practical tool for clinical decision-making in ccRCC management.