Monitoring Salivary Gland Injury in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients After Radiotherapy Using Multi-Modal Radiomics

This is a prospective study designed to investigate the application of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) imaging techniques in monitoring salivary gland injury in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients after radiotherapy. The study aims to quantify and assess salivary gland function changes during and after radiotherapy using advanced imaging technologies, with the goal of identifying early imaging biomarkers associated with radiation-induced damage. Patients diagnosed with NPC and receiving standard radiotherapy will be recruited. Imaging data will be acquired at three time points: prior to radiotherapy (baseline), during radiotherapy (mid-course), and after radiotherapy (post-treatment). IVIM and MRF sequences will be performed to collect data on salivary gland microstructure, perfusion, and relaxation properties. These parameters will be analyzed to detect early changes in salivary gland function and correlate them with the development of xerostomia. This study is expected to provide valuable insights into the utility of IVIM and MRF imaging in predicting and monitoring radiation-induced salivary gland damage. The findings may facilitate early intervention strategies and contribute to personalized radiotherapy planning aimed at minimizing xerostomia risk in NPC patients.