Background: Differentiating true progression (TP) from pseudoprogression (PsP) after glioma surgery remains a major clinical challenge because conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) often cannot reliably distinguish these conditions.
Objective: This prospective observational diagnostic accuracy study aims to evaluate the value of multiparametric imaging based on three-dimensional arterial spin labeling (3D-ASL) combined with time-dependent diffusion MRI (TDD-MRI) for differentiating TP from PsP in postoperative glioma patients.
Methods: Consecutive adult patients with suspected tumor progression after glioma surgery will undergo routine MRI, 3D-ASL, and TDD-MRI examinations. Quantitative perfusion and diffusion parameters will be extracted, and a combined imaging model will be developed and evaluated. Final diagnosis will be established according to pathological findings when available or by longitudinal clinical and imaging follow-up based on the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria.
Expected Outcomes: The primary outcome is the diagnostic performance of the combined imaging model, assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The study is expected to provide a noninvasive imaging strategy for distinguishing TP from PsP and to support clinical decision-making during postoperative follow-up.