Combing APT-CEST imaging and NODDI for an early distinction between pure edema and infiltrative tumor in glioma at 7T

Glioma grows infiltratively along fiber tracts, making it difficult to determine the tumor boundary. Extended resection may impair eloquent brain areas and cause functional disorders, while conservative resection often leaves tumor residues at the cutting edge, leading to early recurrence. This study uses APT-CEST imaging and NODDI to explore glioma's microstructural and metabolic characteristics. We trained a model from 100 biopsies to predict tumor presence in non-enhancing areas. This model shows potential for guiding precise glioma resection and radiotherapy.