From imaging to omics: deep learning is bridging MRI and liquid biopsy in bone tumor diagnosis

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Authors: Feng Wang, Jingxian Chen, Lei Zheng, Xingwen Huang
Cited by: 5
References: 261

Abstract

• This review explores the integration of MRI and liquid biopsy using deep learning to enhance bone tumor diagnostics. • By fusing imaging and molecular data, we demonstrate improved diagnostic accuracy and personalized treatment strategies. • AI-driven models offer real-time insights into tumor biology, supporting better risk stratification and therapy monitoring. • The study addresses the technical foundations and clinical applications of multimodal data integration across various cancers. Bone tumors such as osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma remain among the most challenging cancers to diagnose and monitor because of their biological heterogeneity and overlapping radiological features. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides detailed anatomical insights, whereas liquid biopsy offers minimally invasive access to tumor genetics through circulating DNA, RNA, and extracellular vesicles. Each modality alone is limited, but recent advances in deep learning have enabled multimodal fusion of imaging and molecular data, improving risk stratification, therapy monitoring, and prognostication in patients with osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. This review highlights how multimodal AI frameworks are being applied to bone tumors, delineating evidence from sarcoma-specific studies and representative pan‑cancer models with direct methodological relevance. By integrating MRI radiomics with liquid biopsy omics, deep learning holds promise for redefining precision oncology in bone tumors, delivering earlier detection and more personalized treatment strategies.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Sarcoma Diagnosis and Treatment Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics Radiomics and Machine Learning in Medical Imaging

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of bone oncology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
57
Pages
100753–100753
Publication date
1 March 2026
Language
EN