Development and Validation of a Deep Learning Model to Predict Distant Metastases in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Using Whole Slide Imaging and MRI

An AI model was developed to predict the likelihood of distant metastasis in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer based on pathology slides and MRI scans of the primary tumor. The model was validated using data from multiple centers. It was then applied to patients with advanced stages who were recommended to undergo PET/CT scans based on the NCCN or CSCO guidelines. This AI model can accurately screen patients with high risk of distant metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis to receive PET/CT, avoid excessive examination of patients with low risk of distant metastasis, save medical resources and reduce the economic burden on patients.