Objective: The purpose of this article is to determine via meta-analysis whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) predicts astrocytoma prognosis independent of grade.
Materials and methods: Survival data were subjected to Mantel Haenszel analysis in four qualifying studies. Stratification by tumor grade was also performed.
Results: The survival rates of malignant astrocytomas, grade 3 and 4 (p, 0.004 and < 0.0001, respectively) were worse below a specific ADC value, independent of grade.
Conclusion: Low ADC values correlate with poor survival in malignant astrocytomas independent of tumor grade.