Identifying and Predicting Molecular Signatures in Glioblastoma Using Imaging-Derived Phenotypic Traits

Date
2017-06-23
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract

This thesis addresses the problem of linking molecular status of glioblastoma patients with imaging-derived phenotypic traits. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of malignant brain tumor, with a median survival of only 12-15 months. Due to GBM’s complex heterogeneity in gene expression, the responses to current treatment strategy varies considerably among different patients. There is an urgent need for a deeper understanding of tumor biology and alternative personalized therapeutic intervention. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and histologic images are routinely used for GBM diagnosis. A natural question to ask is that if the phenotypic tumor traits from these images can be linked to tumor molecular signatures. In this thesis, we explore the imaging-genomic relationship in GBM via three approaches. The first approach aims to find texture features extracted from the MRI images that best discriminate GBM molecular subtypes. The second approach aims to find gene networks that determines the radiologically-defined tumor sub-compartment volumes. The third approach aims to quantify GBM histologic hallmarks and correlate them with biological pathway activities. Our study shows that linking imaging traits with tumor molecular status can lead to discoveries that have potential clinical relevance and provide biological insight.

Description
Degree
Master of Science
Type
Thesis
Keywords
imaging-genomics, glioblastoma, molecular programs, computer vision
Citation

Yang, Dalu. "Identifying and Predicting Molecular Signatures in Glioblastoma Using Imaging-Derived Phenotypic Traits." (2017) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. https://hdl.handle.net/1911/96026.

Has part(s)
Forms part of
Published Version
Rights
Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.
Link to license
Citable link to this page