Machine learning prediction model for gray-level co-occurrence matrix features of synchronous liver metastasis in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Synchronous liver metastasis (SLM) is a significant contributor to morbidity in colorectal cancer (CRC). There are no effective predictive device integration algorithms to predict adverse SLM events during the diagnosis of CRC. AIM To explore the risk factors for SLM in CRC and construct a visual prediction model based on gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) features collected from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS Our study retrospectively enrolled 392 patients with CRC from Yichang Central People’s Hospital from January 2015 to May 2023. Patients were randomly divided into a training and validation group (3:7). The clinical parameters and GLCM features extracted from MRI were included as candidate variables. The prediction model was constructed using a generalized linear regression model, random forest model (RFM), and artificial neural network model. Receiver operating characteristic curves and decision curves were used to evaluate the prediction model. RESULTS Among the 392 patients, 48 had SLM (12.24%). We obtained fourteen GLCM imaging data for variable screening of SLM prediction models. Inverse difference, mean sum, sum entropy, sum variance, sum of squares, energy, and difference variance were listed as candidate variables, and the prediction efficiency (area under the curve) of the subsequent RFM in the training set and internal validation set was 0.917 [95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.866-0.968] and 0.09 (95%CI: 0.858-0.960), respectively. CONCLUSION A predictive model combining GLCM image features with machine learning can predict SLM in CRC. This model can assist clinicians in making timely and personalized clinical decisions.