Objective: Application of whole body diffusion-weighted
MRI (WB-DWI) for oncology are rapidly increasing
within both research and routine clinical domains.
However, WB-DWI as a quantitative imaging biomarker
(QIB) has significantly slower adoption. To date, challenges relating to accuracy and reproducibility, essential
criteria for a good QIB, have limited widespread clinical
translation. In recognition, a UK workgroup was established in 2016 to provide technical consensus guidelines
(to maximise accuracy and reproducibility of WB-MRI
QIBs) and accelerate the clinical translation of quantitative WB-DWI applications for oncology.
Methods: A panel of experts convened from cancer
centres around the UK with subspecialty expertise in
quantitative imaging and/or the use of WB-MRI with
DWI. A formal consensus method was used to obtain
consensus agreement regarding best practice. Questions
were asked about the appropriateness or otherwise on
scanner hardware and software, sequence optimisation,
acquisition protocols, reporting, and ongoing quality
control programs to monitor precision and accuracy and
agreement on quality control.
Results: The consensus panel was able to reach consensus
on 73% (255/351) items and based on consensus areas
made recommendations to maximise accuracy and
reproducibly of quantitative WB-DWI studies performed
at 1.5T. The panel were unable to reach consensus on
the majority of items related to quantitative WB-DWI
performed at 3T.
Conclusion: This UK Quantitative WB-DWI Technical
Workgroup consensus provides guidance on maximising accuracy and reproducibly of quantitative WB-DWI
for oncology. The consensus guidance can be used
by researchers and clinicians to harmonise WB-DWI
protocols which will accelerate clinical translation of
WB-DWI-derived QIBs.