Robust Computational Extraction of Non-Enhancing Hypercellular Tumor Regions from Clinical Imaging Data

Accurate identification of non-enhancing hypercellular (NEH) tumor regions is an unmet need in neuro-oncological imaging, with significant implications for patient management and treatment planning. We present a robust computational framework that generates probability maps of NEH regions from routine MRI data, leveraging multiple network architectures to address the inherent variability and lack of clear imaging boundaries. Our approach was validated against independent clinical markers – relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and enhancing tumor recurrence location (ETRL) – demonstrating both methodological robustness and biological relevance. This framework enables reliable, non-invasive mapping of NEH tumor compartments, supporting their integration as imaging biomarkers in clinical workflows and advancing precision oncology for brain tumor patients.