Application of fractional order calculus diffusion model in predicting the differentiation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

A total of 50 patients with locally advanced ESCC were prospectively enrolled in this study. Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) with multiple high b-values was performed before surgery, and a new set of parameters (D, β and m) from a fractional order calculus (FROC) diffusion model were acquired. The grade of differentiation about ESCC was assessed. We found that β and D value exhibited non-significant difference, and m value showed a significant difference between different grades ESCC (P =0.029).