Investigation of imaging features in contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of benign and malignant breast lesions

PURPOSE

This study aimed to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using gadobutrol for differentiating benign breast lesions from malignant ones. Moreover, this study sought to address the limitations of current imaging techniques and criteria based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a multicenter retrospective study conducted in Japan, 200 women were included, comprising 100 with benign lesions and 100 with malignant lesions, all classified under BI-RADS categories 3 and 4. The MRI protocol included 3D fast gradient echo T1- weighted images with fat suppression, with gadobutrol as the contrast agent. The analysis involved evaluating patient and lesion characteristics, including age, size, location, fibroglandular tissue, background parenchymal enhancement (BPE), signal intensity, and the findings of mass and non-mass enhancement. In this study, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, along with decision tree analysis, to identify significant predictors for the classification of lesions.

RESULTS

Differences in lesion characteristics were identified, which may influence malignancy risk. The multivariate logistic regression model revealed age, lesion location, shape, and signal intensity as significant predictors of malignancy. Decision tree analysis identified additional diagnostic factors, including lesion margin and BPE level. The decision tree models demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy, with the logistic regression model showing an area under the curve of 0.925 for masses and 0.829 for non-mass enhancements.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the importance of integrating patient age, lesion location, and BPE level into the BI-RADS criteria to improve the differentiation between benign and malignant breast lesions. This approach could minimize unnecessary biopsies and enhance clinical decision-making in breast cancer diagnostics, highlighting the effectiveness of gadobutrol in breast MRI evaluations.

Significance of Multi-Cancer Genome Profiling Testing for Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis of 3326 Cases from Japan's National Database

Background: Breast cancer (BC) has the highest morbidity rate and the second-highest mortality rate of all cancers among women. Recently, multi-cancer genome profiling (multi-CGP) tests have become clinically available. In this study, we aimed to clarify the significance of multi-CGP testing of BC by using the large clinical dataset from The Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics (C-CAT) profiling database in Japan. Materials and Methods: A total of 3744 BC cases were extracted from the C-CAT database, which enrolled 60,250 patients between June 2019 and October 2023. Of the 3744 BC cases, a total of 3326 cases for which the C-CAT included information on ER, PR, and HER2 status were classified into four subtypes, including TNBC, HR+/HER2-, HR+/HER2+, and HR-/HER2+. Comparisons between groups were performed by the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test using EZR. Kaplan-Meier curves were created using the log-rank test. Results: Of all 3326 cases analyzed, 1114 (33.5%) were TNBC cases, HR+/HER2- accounted for 1787 cases (53.7%), HR+/HER2+ for 260 cases (7.8%), and HR-/HER2+ for 165 cases (5.0%). Genetic abnormalities were most frequently detected in TP53 (58.0%), PIK3CA (35.5%), MYC (18.7%), FGF19 (15.5%), and GATA3 (15.1%) across all BCs. The rate of TMB-High was 12.3%, and the rate of MSI-High was 0.3%, in all BC cases. Therapeutic drugs were proposed for patients with mutations in six genes: PIK3CA, ERBB2, PTEN, FGFR1, ESR1, and AKT1. The prognoses of HR+/HER2- cases were significantly (p = 0.044) better in the treated group than in the untreated group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that cancer gene panel testing is useful for HR+/HER2- cases.

Decoding the Prevalent High-Risk Breast Cancers: Demographics, Pathological, Imaging Insights, and Long-Term Outcome

Objective: To investigate the features and outcomes of breast cancer in high-risk subgroups. Materials and Methods: REB approved an observational study of women diagnosed with breast cancer from 2010 to 2019. Three radiologists, using the BI-RADS lexicon, blindly reviewed mammogram and MRI screenings without a washout period. Consensus was reached with 2 additional reviewers. Inter-rater agreement was measured by Fleiss Kappa. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square tests for cohort analysis, and Kaplan-Meier for survival rates, with a Cox model for comparative analysis using gene mutation as a reference. Results: The study included 140 high-risk women, finding 155 malignant lesions. Significant age differences noted: chest radiation therapy (median age 44, IQR: 37.0-46.2), gene mutation (median age 49, IQR: 39.8-58.0), and familial risk (median age 51, IQR: 44.5-56.0) (P = .007). Gene mutation carriers had smaller (P = .01), higher-grade tumours (P = .002), and more triple-negative ER- (P = .02), PR- (P = .002), and HER2- (P = .02) cases. MRI outperformed mammography in all subgroups. Substantial to near-perfect inter-rater agreement observed. Over 10 years, no deaths occurred in chest radiation group, with no significant survival difference between gene mutation and familial risk groups, HR = 0.93 (95% CI: 0.27, 3.26), P = .92. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of age and specific tumour characteristics in identifying high-risk breast cancer subgroups. MRI is confirmed as an effective screening tool. Despite the aggressive nature of cancers in gene mutation carriers, early detection is crucial for survival outcomes. These insights, while necessitating further validation with larger studies, advocate for a move toward personalized medical care, strengthening the existing healthcare guidelines.

Imaging approaches for the diagnosis of genetic diseases affecting the female reproductive organs and beyond

This review aims to provide an overview of neoplastic lesions associated with genetic diseases affecting the female reproductive organs. It seeks to enhance our understanding of the radiological aspects in diagnosing genetic diseases including hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes, Lynch syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, and Swyer syndrome, and explores the patterns and mechanisms of inheritance that require elucidation. Additionally, we discuss the imaging characteristics of lesions occurring in other regions due to the same genetic diseases.

Development and validation of ultrasound-based radiomics model to predict germline BRCA mutations in patients with breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Identifying breast cancer (BC) patients with germline breast cancer susceptibility gene (gBRCA) mutation is important. The current criteria for germline testing for BC remain controversial. This study aimed to develop a nomogram incorporating ultrasound radiomic features and clinicopathological factors to predict gBRCA mutations in patients with BC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, 497 women with BC who underwent gBRCA genetic testing from March 2013 to May 2022 were included, including 348 for training (84 with and 264 without a gBRCA mutation) and 149 for validation(36 patients with and 113 without a gBRCA mutation). Factors associated with gBRCA mutations were identified to establish a clinicopathological model. Radiomics features were extracted from the intratumoral and peritumoral regions (3 mm and 5 mm) of each image. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression algorithm was used to select the features and logistic regression analysis was used to construct three imaging models. Finally, a nomogram that combined clinicopathological and radiomics features was developed. The models were evaluated based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration, and clinical usefulness.

RESULTS

Age at diagnosis, family history of BC, personal history of other BRCA-related cancers, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status were independent predictors of the clinicopathological model. The AUC of the imaging radiomics model combining intratumoral and peritumoral 3 mm areas in the validation set was 0.783 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.702-0.862), which showed the best performance among three imaging models. The nomogram yielded better performance than the clinicopathological model in validation sets (AUC: 0.824 [0.755-0.894] versus 0.659 [0.563-0.755], p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

The nomogram based on ultrasound images and clinicopathological factors performs well in predicting gBRCA mutations in BC patients and may help to improve clinical decisions about genetic testing.

Comparing Characteristics of Pelvic High-grade Serous Carcinomas with and without Breast Cancer Gene Variants on MR Imaging

PURPOSE

To compare MRI findings of high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) with and without breast cancer (BRCA) gene variants to explore the feasibility of MRI as a genetic predictor.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed MRI data from 16 patients with BRCA variant-positive (11 patients of BRCA1 and 5 patients of BRCA2 variant-positive) and 32 patients with BRCA variant-negative HGSCs and evaluated tumor size, appearance, nature of solid components, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, time-intensity curve, several dynamic contrast-enhanced curve descriptors, and nature of peritoneal metastasis. Age, primary site, tumor stage, bilaterality, presence of lymph node metastasis, presence of peritoneal metastasis, and tumor markers were also compared between the groups with the Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests.

RESULTS

The mean tumor size of BRCA variant-positive HGSCs was 9.6 cm, and that of variant-negative HGSCs was 6.8 cm, with no significant difference (P = 0.241). No significant difference was found between BRCA variant-positive and negative HGSCs in other evaluated factors, except for age (mean age, 53 years old; range, 32-78 years old for BRCA variant-positive and mean age, 61 years old; range, 44-80 years old for BRCA variant-negative, P = 0.033). Comparing BRCA1 variant-positive and BRCA2 variant-positive HGSCs, BRCA1 variant-positive HGSCs were larger (P = 0.040), had greater Max enhancement (P = 0.013), Area under the curve (P = 0.013), and CA125 (P = 0.038), and had a higher frequency of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.049), with significance.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference in the MRI findings between patients with HGSCs with and without BRCA variants. Although studied in small numbers, BRCA1 variant-positive HGSCs were larger and more enhanced than BRCA2 variant-positive HGSCs with higher CA125 and more frequent lymph node metastases, and may represent more aggressive features.

A transcriptional response to replication stress selectively expands a subset of Brca2-mutant mammary epithelial cells

Germline BRCA2 mutation carriers frequently develop luminal-like breast cancers, but it remains unclear how BRCA2 mutations affect mammary epithelial subpopulations. Here, we report that monoallelic Brca2mut/WT mammary organoids subjected to replication stress activate a transcriptional response that selectively expands Brca2mut/WT luminal cells lacking hormone receptor expression (HR-). While CyTOF analyses reveal comparable epithelial compositions among wildtype and Brca2mut/WT mammary glands, Brca2mut/WT HR- luminal cells exhibit greater organoid formation and preferentially survive and expand under replication stress. ScRNA-seq analysis corroborates the expansion of HR- luminal cells which express elevated transcript levels of Tetraspanin-8 (Tspan8) and Thrsp, plus pathways implicated in replication stress survival including Type I interferon responses. Notably, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of Tspan8 or Thrsp prevents Brca2mut/WT HR- luminal cell expansion. Our findings indicate that Brca2mut/WT cells activate a transcriptional response after replication stress that preferentially favours outgrowth of HR- luminal cells through the expression of interferon-responsive and mammary alveolar genes.

Unraveling the Pivotal Network of Ultrasound and Somatic Mutations in Triple-Negative and Non-Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Purpose

The emergence of genomic targeted therapy has improved the prospects of treatment for breast cancer (BC). However, genetic testing relies on invasive and sophisticated procedures.

Patients and Methods

Here, we performed ultrasound (US) and target sequencing to unravel the possible association between US radiomics features and somatic mutations in TNBC (n=83) and non-TNBC (n=83) patients. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) were utilized to perform radiomic feature selection. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis was utilized to identify the signaling pathways associated with radiomic features.

Results

Thirteen differently represented radiomic features were identified in TNBC and non-TNBC, including tumor shape, textual, and intensity features. The US radiomic-gene pairs were differently exhibited between TNBC and non-TNBC. Further investigation with KEGG verified radiomic-pathway (ie, JAK-STAT, MAPK, Ras, Wnt, microRNAs in cancer, PI3K-Akt) associations in TNBC and non-TNBC.

Conclusion

The pivotal network provided the connections of US radiogenomic signature and target sequencing for non-invasive genetic assessment of precise BC treatment.

ZNF703 mRNA-Targeting Antisense Oligonucleotide Blocks Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cell Lines

The luminal B molecular subtype of breast cancers (BC) accounts for more than a third of BCs and is associated with aggressive clinical behavior and poor prognosis. The use of endocrine therapy in BC treatment has significantly contributed to the decrease in the number of deaths in recent years. However, most BC patients with prolonged exposure to estrogen receptor (ER) selective modulators such as tamoxifen develop resistance and become non-responsive over time. Recent studies have implicated overexpression of the ZNF703 gene in BC resistance to endocrine drugs, thereby highlighting ZNF703 inhibition as an attractive modality in BC treatment, especially luminal B BCs. However, there is no known inhibitor of ZNF703 due to its nuclear association and non-enzymatic activity. Here, we have developed an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) against ZNF703 mRNA and shown that it downregulates ZNF703 protein expression. ZNF703 inhibition decreased cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Combined with cisplatin, the anti-cancer effects of ZNF703-ASO9 were improved. Moreover, our work shows that ASO technology may be used to increase the number of targetable cancer genes.

Clinical and Translational Applications of Serological and Histopathological Biomarkers in Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and the most common form of cancer in women. A large proportion of patients begin with localized disease and undergo treatment with curative intent, while another large proportion of patients debuts with disseminated metastatic disease. In the last subgroup of patients, the prognosis in recent years has changed radically, given the existence of different targeted therapies thanks to the discovery of different biomarkers. Serological, histological, and genetic biomarkers have demonstrated their usefulness in the initial diagnosis, in the follow-up to detect relapses, to guide targeted treatment, and to stratify the prognosis of the most aggressive tumors in those with breast cancer. Molecular markers are currently the basis for the diagnosis of metastatic disease, given the wide variety of chemotherapy regions and existing therapies. These markers have been a real revolution in the therapeutic arsenal for breast cancer, and their diagnostic validity allows the classification of tumors with higher rates of relapse, aggressiveness, and mortality. In this sense, the existence of therapies targeting different molecular alterations causes a series of changes in tumor biology that can be assessed throughout the course of the disease to provide information on the underlying pathophysiology of metastatic disease, which allows us to broaden our knowledge of the different mechanisms of tissue invasion. Therefore, the aim of the present article is to review the clinical, diagnostic, predictive, prognostic utility and limitations of the main biomarkers available and under development in metastatic breast cancer.

Mutations in Homologous Recombination Genes and Loss of Heterozygosity Status in Advanced-Stage Breast Carcinoma

Poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPis) have demonstrated antitumor activity in cancers with a homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) and have recently been approved by the FDA for the treatment of germline BRCA1/2-mutation-associated breast cancer. PARPis have also been found to be efficacious in BRCA wild-type (BRCAwt) lesions with high genomic loss of heterozygosity (LOH-high). The goal of this study was to retrospectively investigate the tumor mutations in homologous recombination (HRR) genes and the LOH score in advanced-stage breast carcinomas (BCs). Sixty-three patients were included in our study, 25% of whom had HRR gene mutations in their tumors, including 6% BRCA1/2 and 19% non-BRCA-containing gene mutations. An HRR gene mutation was associated with a triple-negative phenotype. Twenty-eight percent of the patients had an LOH-high score, which, in turn, was associated with a high histological grade, a triple-negative phenotype, and a high tumor mutational burden (TMB). Among the six patients who received PARPi therapy, one had a tumor with a PALB2 mutation other than BRCA and had a clinical partial response. Twenty-two percent of the LOH-low tumors had BRCAwt-HRR gene mutations, compared with 11% of the LOH-high tumors. Comprehensive genomic profiling revealed a subset of breast cancer patients with a BRCAwt-HRR gene mutation that would be missed by an LOH test. The necessity of next-generation sequencing coupled with HRR gene analysis for PARPi therapy requires further investigation in clinical trials.

MRI phenotypes associated with breast cancer predisposing genetic variants, a multisite review

PURPOSE

Examine MRI phenotypes of breast cancers arising in patients with various pathogenic variants, to assess for imaging trends and associations.

METHOD

Multisite retrospective review evaluated 410 patients from 2001 to 2020 with breast cancer and a predisposing pathogenic variant who underwent breast MRI at time of cancer diagnosis. Dominant malignant lesion features were reported, including lesion type (mass versus non-mass enhancement), size, shape, margin, internal enhancement pattern, plus other features. Kruskal-Wallis test, Fisher's exact test, and pairwise comparisons performed comparing imaging manifestations for the most frequent genetic results.

RESULTS

BRCA1 (29.5 %) and BRCA2 (25.9 %) variants were most common, followed by CHEK2 (16.6 %), ATM (8.0 %), and PALB2 (6.3 %), with significant associated differences in race/ethnicity (p = 0.040), age at cancer diagnosis (p = 0.005), tumor shapes (p = 0.001), margins (p < 0.001), grade (p < 0.001), internal enhancement pattern (rim enhancement) (p < 0.001), kinetics (washout) (p < 0.001), and presence of necrosis (p < 0.001). CHEK2 and ATM tumors were often lower grade with spiculated margins (CHEK2: 47.1 %, ATM: 45.5 %), rarely exhibiting washout or tumor necrosis (p < 0.001), and were mostly comprised of luminal molecular subtypes (CHEK2: 88.2 %, ATM: 90.9 %). BRCA1 tumors had the highest proportions with round shape (31.4 %), circumscribed margins (24.0 %), rim enhancement (24.0 %), washout (58.7 %), and necrosis (19.8 %), with 47.9 % comprised of triple negative subtype. Bilateral mastectomy was performed in higher proportions of patients with BRCA1 (84.3 %) and BRCA2 (75.5 %) variants compared to others.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic and molecular profiles of breast cancers demonstrate reproducible MRI phenotypes.

Clinicopathological and ultrasound characteristics of breast cancer in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers

PURPOSE

BRCA1 and BRCA2 tumors exhibit different characteristics. This study aimed to assess and compare the ultrasound findings and pathologic features of BRCA1 and BRCA2 breast cancers. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the mass formation, vascularity, and elasticity in breast cancers of BRCA-positive Japanese women.

METHODS

We identified patients with breast cancer harboring BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. After excluding patients who underwent chemotherapy or surgery before the ultrasound, we evaluated 89 cancers in BRCA1-positive and 83 in BRCA2-positive patients. The ultrasound images were reviewed by three radiologists in consensus. Imaging features, including vascularity and elasticity, were assessed. Pathological data, including tumor subtypes, were reviewed.

RESULTS

Significant differences in tumor morphology, peripheral features, posterior echoes, echogenic foci, and vascularity were observed between BRCA1 and BRCA2 tumors. BRCA1 breast cancers tended to be posteriorly accentuating and hypervascular. In contrast, BRCA2 tumors were less likely to form masses. In cases where a tumor formed a mass, it tended to show posterior attenuation, indistinct margins, and echogenic foci. In pathological comparisons, BRCA1 cancers tended to be triple-negative subtypes. In contrast, BRCA2 cancers tended to be luminal or luminal-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 subtypes.

CONCLUSION

In the surveillance of BRCA mutation carriers, radiologists should be aware that the morphological differences between tumors are quite different between BRCA1 and BRCA2 patients.

Clinicopathological and imaging features of ductal carcinoma in situ in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers

BACKGROUND

BRCA1/2-associated invasive breast cancer has been extensively studied. However, there are few reports of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological and imaging findings of DCIS in patients with BRCA1/2 mutations.

METHODS

This was a single-institution, retrospective study. We identified patients diagnosed with DCIS with BRCA mutations between September 2003 and December 2020. Clinicopathological data and mammography (MG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US) findings were reviewed.

RESULTS

We identified 30 cancers in 28 patients; 7 (25.0%) patients had BRCA1 mutations, and 21 (75.0%) had BRCA2 mutations. The median patient age was 42 years. Screening was the most common reason for the detection of DCIS (50.0%), followed by occult cancer diagnosed by pathological examination after risk-reducing mastectomy (26.7%). The nuclear grade was most often 1 (46.7%), and 93.3% were estrogen and/or progesterone receptor positive. The detection rates of MG, MRI, and US were 64.3%, 72.0%, and 64.0%, respectively. The most common imaging findings were calcification (100%) on MG, non-mass enhancement (88.9%) on MRI, and hypoechoic area (75.0%) on US.

CONCLUSION

BRCA-associated DCIS was more strongly associated with BRCA2, and imaging features were similar to those of sporadic DCIS. Our results are helpful in informing surveillance strategies based on genotypes in women with BRCA mutations.

MR imaging phenotypes and features associated with pathogenic mutation to predict recurrence or metastasis in breast cancer

OBJECTIVES

Distant metastasis remains the main cause of death in breast cancer. Breast cancer risk is strongly influenced by pathogenic mutation.This study was designed to develop a multiple-feature model using clinicopathological and imaging characteristics adding pathogenic mutations associated signs to predict recurrence or metastasis in breast cancers in high familial risk women.

METHODS

Genetic testing for breast-related gene mutations was performed in 54 patients with breast cancers. Breast MRI findings were retrospectively evaluated in 64 tumors of the 54 patients. The relationship between pathogenic mutation, clinicopathological and radiologic features was examined. The disease recurrence or metastasis were estimated. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent factors of pathogenic mutation and disease recurrence or metastasis. Based on significant factors from the regression models, a multivariate logistic regression was adopted to establish two models for predicting disease recurrence or metastasis in breast cancer using R software.

RESULTS

Of the 64 tumors in 54 patients, 17 tumors had pathogenic mutations and 47 tumors had no pathogenic mutations. The clinicopathogenic and imaging features associated with pathogenic mutation included six signs: biologic features (p = 0.000), nuclear grade (p = 0.045), breast density (p = 0.005), MRI lesion type (p = 0.000), internal enhancement pattern (p = 0.004), and spiculated margin (p = 0.049). Necrosis within the tumors was the only feature associated with increased disease recurrence or metastasis (p = 0.006). The developed modelIincluding clinico-pathologic and imaging factors showed good discrimination in predicting disease recurrence or metastasis. Comprehensive model II, which included parts of modelIand pathogenic mutations significantly associated signs, showed significantly more sensitivity and specificity for predicting disease recurrence or metastasis compared to Model I.

CONCLUSIONS

The incorporation of pathogenic mutations associated imaging and clinicopathological parameters significantly improved the sensitivity and specificity in predicting disease recurrence or metastasis. The constructed multi-feature fusion model may guide the implementation of prophylactic treatment for breast cancers at high familial risk women.

Artificial intelligence for multimodal data integration in oncology

In oncology, the patient state is characterized by a whole spectrum of modalities, ranging from radiology, histology, and genomics to electronic health records. Current artificial intelligence (AI) models operate mainly in the realm of a single modality, neglecting the broader clinical context, which inevitably diminishes their potential. Integration of different data modalities provides opportunities to increase robustness and accuracy of diagnostic and prognostic models, bringing AI closer to clinical practice. AI models are also capable of discovering novel patterns within and across modalities suitable for explaining differences in patient outcomes or treatment resistance. The insights gleaned from such models can guide exploration studies and contribute to the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. To support these advances, here we present a synopsis of AI methods and strategies for multimodal data fusion and association discovery. We outline approaches for AI interpretability and directions for AI-driven exploration through multimodal data interconnections. We examine challenges in clinical adoption and discuss emerging solutions.

Are Mutation Carrier Patients Different from Non-Carrier Patients? Genetic, Pathology, and US Features of Patients with Breast Cancer

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutations, US features, and histopathologic findings of breast cancer in mutation carriers compared to non-carrier patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, we identified 264 patients with breast cancer and multigene panel testing admitted to our clinic from January 2018 to December 2020. Patient data US findings, US assessment of the axilla, multigene panel tests, histopathology, and immunochemistry reports were reviewed according to the BI-RADS lexicon. Results: The study population was comprised of 40% pathogenic mutation carriers (BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, ATM, PALB, TP 53, NBN, MSH, BRIP 1 genes) and 60% mutation-negative patients. The mean patient age was 43.5 years in the carrier group and 44 years in the negative group. Carrier patients developed breast cancer with benign morphology (acoustic enhancement, soft elastography appearance) compared to non-carriers (p < 0.05). A tendency towards specific US features was observed for each mutation. BRCA1 carriers were associated with BC with microlobulated margins, hyperechoic rim, and soft elastography appearance (p < 0.05). Estrogen receptor (ER)-negative tumors were associated with BRCA1, TP53, and RAD mutations, while BRCA2 and CHEK2 were associated with ER-positive tumors. Conclusions: Patients with pathogenic mutations may exhibit BC with benign US features compared to negative, non-carrier patients. BRCA1, TP53, and RAD carriers account for up to one third of the ER tumors from the carrier group. Axillary US performed worse in depicting involved lymph nodes in carrier patients, compared to negative patients.

A human breast atlas integrating single-cell proteomics and transcriptomics

The breast is a dynamic organ whose response to physiological and pathophysiological conditions alters its disease susceptibility, yet the specific effects of these clinical variables on cell state remain poorly annotated. We present a unified, high-resolution breast atlas by integrating single-cell RNA-seq, mass cytometry, and cyclic immunofluorescence, encompassing a myriad of states. We define cell subtypes within the alveolar, hormone-sensing, and basal epithelial lineages, delineating associations of several subtypes with cancer risk factors, including age, parity, and BRCA2 germline mutation. Of particular interest is a subset of alveolar cells termed basal-luminal (BL) cells, which exhibit poor transcriptional lineage fidelity, accumulate with age, and carry a gene signature associated with basal-like breast cancer. We further utilize a medium-depletion approach to identify molecular factors regulating cell-subtype proportion in organoids. Together, these data are a rich resource to elucidate diverse mammary cell states.

Habitat Analysis of Breast Cancer-Enhanced MRI Reflects BRCA1 Mutation Determined by Immunohistochemistry

Objective

To use habitat analysis (also termed habitat imaging) for classifying untreated breast cancer-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in women. Moreover, we intended to obtain clustering parameters to predict the BReast CAncer gene 1 (BRCA1) gene mutation and to determine the use of MRI as a noninvasive examination tool.

Methods

We obtained enhanced MRI data of patients with breast cancer before treatment and selected some sequences as the source of habitat imaging. We used the k-means clustering to classify these images. According to the formed subregions, we calculated several parameters to evaluate the clustering. We used immunohistochemistry to detect BRCA1 mutations. Moreover, we separately determined the ability of these parameters through independent modeling or multiple parameter joint modeling to predict these mutations.

Results

Of all extracted values, separation (SP) demonstrated the best prediction performance for a single parameter (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), 0.647; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.557–0.731). Simultaneously, models based on the Calinski-Harabasz Index and sum of square error performed better in the training (AUC, 0.903; 95% CI, 0.831–0.96) and verification (AUC, 0.845; 95% CI, 0.723–0.942) sets for multiparameter joint modeling.

Conclusion

Based on the enhanced MRI of breast tumors and the subregions generated according to the habitat imaging theory, the parameters extracted to describe the clustering effect could reflect the BRCA1 status. Differences between clusters, including the general differences of cluster centers and clusters and the similarity of samples within clusters, were the embodiment of this mutation. We propose an algorithm to predict the BRCA1 mutation of a patient according to the enhanced MRI of the breast tumor.

Association of Interleukin-10 Polymorphism (rs1800896, rs1800871, and rs1800872) With Breast Cancer Risk: An Updated Meta-Analysis Based on Different Ethnic Groups

Background: The interleukin10 (IL-10) gene polymorphisms have been indicated to be associated with breast cancer (BC) risk, but the findings are still controversial. To derive a more precise evaluation, we performed a comprehensive meta-analysis.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, CNKI, China biomedical (CBM), and Google Scholar to 29 March 2020. Revman5.3 and Stata 12.0 software analyzed the data, and the strength of the association was identified using the odds ratio (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: A total of 23 studies (7,250 cancer cases and 7,675 case-free controls) were included in this meta-analysis. The results show that IL-10 gene polymorphisms were significantly correlated with BC risk based on subgroup analysis by ethnicity. The IL-10 rs1800896 polymorphism was significantly associated with the risk of BC in Asians (G vs. A: OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.65–0.95, p = 0.01; GG vs. AA: OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.31–0.84, p = 0.007; GA vs. AA: OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.44–0.81, p = 0.0009; GG + GA vs. AA: OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.45–0.81, p = 0.0007); Moreover, an increased BC risk in Asians were also associated with the IL-10 rs1800872 polymorphism (AA vs CC: OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.55–0.99, p = 0.04; A vs C: OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.74–0.98, p = 0.03). In addition, The IL-10 rs1800871 (CT vs. TT: OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.03–3.13, p = 0.04) and rs1800872 polymorphism (A vs C: OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.43–0.98, p = 0.04) were associated with BC risk in Caucasians.

Conclusion: Collectively, this meta-analysis demonstrated that IL-10 rs1800896 and rs1800872 (AA vs. CC; A vs. C) polymorphisms significantly increased the risk of BC in Asians, while the rs1800871 and rs1800872 (A vs. C) were associated with the risk of BC in Caucasians. Therefore, this may provide new ideas for predicting and diagnosing BC susceptibility through the detection of IL-10 gene polymorphism.

Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/ PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42021266635].

Oral Contraceptive Use and Breast Cancer Risk According to Molecular Subtypes Status: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of oral contraceptives (OCs) on risk of breast cancer (BrCa) by status of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). We searched the MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase and the Cochrane Library database and bibliographies of pertinent articles published up to 2020. Therein, we identified nineteen eligible case-control studies which provided data by breast cancer subtypes: ER-positive (ER+), ER-negative (ER−), HER2-positive (HER2+) and Triplet-negative (TN). Summary risk estimates (pooled OR [pOR]) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed/random effects models. The summary meta-analysis showed that over-use of OCs led to significant increased risk of TNBrCa (OR = 1.37, 95% CI; 1.13 to 1.67, p = 0.002), as well as of ER−BrCa (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.40, p = 0.019). There was also a significant reduction in the risk of ER+BrCa (OR = O.92, 95% CI: 0.86 to 0.99, p = 0.026,) and a slight reduction in the risk of HER2+BrCa (OR = 0.95, 95% CI; 0.79 to 1.14, p = 0.561) after taking OCs. Meta-analysis indicated that OC use has different impacts on risk of breast cancer subtypes defined by receptor status. The identified differences between individual subtypes of breast cancer may reflect different mechanisms of carcinogenesis.

Comparing breast cancer imaging characteristics of CHEK2 with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation carriers

PURPOSE

Breast cancer gene (BRCA) 1 and 2 mutations are frequently studied gene mutations (GM); the incidence of checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2) is increasing. We describe the imaging features of breast cancer (BC) in CHEK2 mutations, compared to BRCA 1 and 2 using mammography, ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHOD

Inclusion criteria were primary BC in GM carriers, treated in the same hospital. Age at diagnosis, histology, hormone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status were retrieved. Mammography descriptors were mass, asymmetry and suspicious microcalcifications. The enhancement pattern (MRI), shape and border, architectural distortion, the presence of a hyperechoic rim and cystic complex structure (US) were documented. Analyses were performed using SAS software (version 9.4). Fishers' exact test was used to test associations between two categorical variables.

RESULTS

In 191 women, 233 malignant lesions were diagnosed (78 in BRCA1, 109 in BRCA2, 46 in CHEK2). In CHEK2 carriers, mammographically, suspicious microcalcifications (54%) were more prevalent (BRCA2 (48%) and BRCA1 carriers (33%)) (p-value = 0.057) compared to mass lesions (35%). On US, lesions were most frequently ill-defined (86%) (p = 0.579) and irregular (94.5%) (p = 0.098) compared to BRCA2 (77% and 80% resp.) and BRCA1 carriers (71% and 72% resp.). On MRI, mass lesions showed a type 3 curve in CHEK2 (67%) compared to BRCA1 (36%) and BRCA2 (50%) (p = 0.056).

CONCLUSIONS

Malignant radiological characteristics of breast cancer, more specifically suspicious microcalcifications, were more frequently seen in CHEK2 and BRCA2 compared to BRCA1 mutation carriers (without a significant difference) indicating the importance of mammography in follow-up of CHEK2 carriers.

BRCA1 Versus BRCA2 and PARP Inhibitors Efficacy in Solid Tumors:A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

BRCA2 mutation has a more substantial impact on the homologous recombination and superior therapeutic response to platinum-based chemotherapy than BRCA1 mutation. Whether BRCA2-mutated patients could benefit more from PARPi than BRCA1-mutated patients remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy difference of PARPi between BRCA1 mutation carriers and BRCA2 mutation carriers.

Methods

Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of PARPi that had available hazard ratios (HRs) of progression-free survival (PFS) in both BRCA1-mutated population and BRCA2-mutated population. We calculated the pooled PFS HRs and 95%CI using randomized-effect models, and the difference between the two estimates was compared by interaction test.

Results

A total of 11 eligible RCTs of high quality were identified through search. Overall, 1544 BRCA1 mutation carriers and 1191 BRCA2 mutation carriers were included in the final analysis. The pooled PFS HR was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.35-0.50) in BRCA1-mutated patients who were treated with PARPi compared with patients in the control group. In BRCA2-mutated patients treated with PARPi, the pooled PFS HR compared with the control groups was 0.35 (95% CI: 0.24-0.51). The difference in efficacy of PARPi was not significant between the two subgroups (P _{heterogeneity} = 0.40, for interaction).

Conclusion

BRCA1-mutated patients and BRCA2-mutated patients could benefit from PARPi, and the efficacy is comparable. Currently, there is no evidence that BRCA2-mutated patients would benefit more from PARPi than BRCA1-mutated patients.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42020214582.

A Review of Breast Cancer Risk Factors in Adolescents and Young Adults

Simple Summary

Cancer diagnosed in patients between the ages of 15 and 39 deserves special consideration. Diagnoses within this cohort of adolescents and young adults include childhood cancers which present at an older age than expected, or an early presentation of cancers that are typically observed in older adults, such as breast cancer. Cancers within this age group are associated with worse disease-free and overall survival rates, and the incidence of these cases are rising. Knowing an individual’s susceptibility to disease can change their clinical management and allow for the risk-testing of relatives. This review discusses the risk factors that contribute to breast cancer in this unique cohort of patients, including inherited genetic risk factors, as well as environmental and lifestyle factors. We also describe risk models that allow clinicians to quantify a patient’s lifetime risk of developing disease.

Abstract

Cancer in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) deserves special consideration for several reasons. AYA cancers encompass paediatric malignancies that present at an older age than expected, or early-onset of cancers that are typically observed in adults. However, disease diagnosed in the AYA population is distinct to those same cancers which are diagnosed in a paediatric or older adult setting. Worse disease-free and overall survival outcomes are observed in the AYA setting, and the incidence of AYA cancers is increasing. Knowledge of an individual’s underlying cancer predisposition can influence their clinical care and may facilitate early tumour surveillance strategies and cascade testing of at-risk relatives. This information can further influence reproductive decision making. In this review we discuss the risk factors contributing to AYA breast cancer, such as heritable predisposition, environmental, and lifestyle factors. We also describe a number of risk models which incorporate genetic factors that aid clinicians in quantifying an individual’s lifetime risk of disease.

Clinicopathological features and BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation status in a prospective cohort of young women with breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer in young women is more likely to have higher risk features and be associated with germline BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations. We present the clinicopathologic features of breast cancers in a prospective cohort of young women, and associations between surrogate molecular subtype and BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation status.

METHODS

Histopathological features, biomarker status, tumour stage and BRCA status were collected. Invasive tumours were categorised as luminal A-like (ER + and/or PR + , HER2-, grade 1/2), luminal B-like (ER + and/or PR + , HER2 + , or ER + and/or PR + , HER2-, and grade 3), HER2-enriched (ER/PR-, HER2 + ) or triple-negative.

RESULTS

In all, 57.3% (654/1143) of invasive tumours were high grade. In total, 32.9% were luminal A-like, 42.4% luminal B-like, 8.3% HER2-enriched, and 16.4% triple-negative. Among different age groups, there were no differences in molecular phenotype, stage, grade or histopathology. 11% (131) of tumours were from BRCA mutation carriers; 64.1% BRCA1 (63.1% triple-negative), and 35.9% BRCA2 (55.3% luminal B-like).

DISCUSSION

The opportunity to provide comparisons across young age groups, BRCA mutation status, surrogate molecular phenotype, and the identification of more aggressive hormone receptor-positive phenotypes in this population provides direction for future work to further understand and improve disparate outcomes for young women with luminal B-like cancers, particularly BRCA2-associated cancers, with potential implications for tailored prevention and treatment.

Evidence for accelerated aging in mammary epithelia of women carrying germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations

During aging in the human mammary gland, luminal epithelial cells lose lineage fidelity by expressing markers normally expressed in myoepithelial cells. We hypothesize that loss of lineage fidelity is a general manifestation of epithelia that are susceptible to cancer initiation. In the present study, we show that histologically normal breast tissue from younger women who are susceptible to breast cancer, as a result of harboring a germline mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2 genes, exhibits hallmarks of accelerated aging. These include proportionately increased luminal epithelial cells that acquired myoepithelial markers, decreased proportions of myoepithelial cells and a basal differentiation bias or failure of differentiation of cKit+ progenitors. High-risk luminal and myoepithelial cells are transcriptionally enriched for genes of the opposite lineage, inflammatory- and cancer-related pathways. We have identified breast-aging hallmarks that reflect a convergent biology of cancer susceptibility, regardless of the specific underlying genetic or age-dependent risk or the associated breast cancer subtype.

The Distinct Performances of Ultrasound, Mammograms, and MRI in Detecting Breast Cancer in Patients With Germline Pathogenic Variants in Cancer Predisposition Genes

A proportion of up to 10% of breast cancer resulted from hereditary germline pathogenic variants (GPVs) in cancer predisposition genes (CPGs), which been demonstrated distinct clinical features and imaging manifestations. However, the performance of imaging modalities for breast cancer surveillance in CPG mutation-carriers is still unclear, especially in Asian women. A population of 3002 breast cancer patients who received germline genetic testing of CPGs was enrolled from three hospitals in China. In total, 343 (11.6%) patients were found to harbor GPVs in CPGs, including 137 (4.6%) in BRCA1 and 135 (4.6%) in BRCA2. We compared the performances of ultrasound, mammograms, MRI, and the combining strategies in CPG mutation carriers and non-carriers. As a result, the ultrasound showed a higher detection rate compared with mammograms regardless of the mutation status. However, its detection rate was lower in CPG mutation carriers than in non-carriers (93.2% vs 98.0%, P=2.1×10^-4), especially in the BRCA1 mutation carriers (90.9% vs 98.0%, P=2.0×10^-4). MRI presented the highest sensitivity (98.5%) and the lowest underestimation rate (14.5%) in CPG mutation carriers among ultrasound, mammograms, and their combination. Supplemental ultrasound or mammograms would add no significant value to MRI for detecting breast cancer (P>0.05). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the family or personal cancer history could not replace the mutation status as the impact factor for the false-negative result and underestimation. In summary, clinicians and radiologists should be aware of the atypical imaging presentation of breast cancer in patients with GPVs in CPGs.

Association between Imaging Features using the BI-RADS and Tumor Subtype in Patients with Invasive Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Different molecular breast cancer subtypes present different biologic features, treatment options, and clinical prognoses. The breast cancer imaging phenotype may help precisely classify breast cancer in a non-invasive manner.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the association between the imaging and clinicopathologic features of invasive breast cancer according to the molecular subtype.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 313 consecutive women with breast cancer who underwent surgery between March 2018 and February 2019. Preoperative imaging studies were also reviewed and the association between the clinicopathologic and imaging features was evaluated according to the molecular subtype.

RESULTS

On mammography, the presence of microcalcifications was correlated with the human epidermal factor receptor 2-positive subtype (67%, 14/21). Luminal A and B tumors were more likely to have a spiculated margin (57% [63/110] and 41% [34/81]), while human epidermal factor receptor 2-positive and triple-negative breast cancers were more likely to have an indistinct margin (56% [10/18] and 35% [17/48]). On ultrasonography, luminal A tumors were likely to be depicted as masses with an irregular shape (85%, 115/136) and spiculated margin (49%, 66/136). On magnetic resonance imaging, triple-negative breast cancer appeared as a mass (n=13) that frequently had an irregular shape (62%, 8/13) but was more likely to be oval or round (39%, 5/13) than other subtypes.

CONCLUSION

Some imaging features on mammography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging could be useful predictors of the molecular subtype of breast cancer and may aid precision medicine development for patients with breast cancer according to the subtype.

WDNE: an integrative graphical model for inferring differential networks from multi-platform gene expression data with missing values

The mechanisms controlling biological process, such as the development of disease or cell differentiation, can be investigated by examining changes in the networks of gene dependencies between states in the process. High-throughput experimental methods, like microarray and RNA sequencing, have been widely used to gather gene expression data, which paves the way to infer gene dependencies based on computational methods. However, most differential network analysis methods are designed to deal with fully observed data, but missing values, such as the dropout events in single-cell RNA-sequencing data, are frequent. New methods are needed to take account of these missing values. Moreover, since the changes of gene dependencies may be driven by certain perturbed genes, considering the changes in gene expression levels may promote the identification of gene network rewiring. In this study, a novel weighted differential network estimation (WDNE) model is proposed to handle multi-platform gene expression data with missing values and take account of changes in gene expression levels. Simulation studies demonstrate that WDNE outperforms state-of-the-art differential network estimation methods. When applied WDNE to infer differential gene networks associated with drug resistance in ovarian tumors, cell differentiation and breast tumor heterogeneity, the hub genes in the estimated differential gene networks can provide important insights into the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, a Matlab toolbox, differential network analysis toolbox, was developed to implement the WDNE model and visualize the estimated differential networks.

Integrative analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression profiles identified potential breast cancer-specific diagnostic markers

Breast cancer is a common malignant tumor among women whose prognosis is largely determined by the period and accuracy of diagnosis. We here propose to identify a robust DNA methylation-based breast cancer-specific diagnostic signature. Genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of breast cancer patients along with their adjacent normal tissues from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were obtained as the training set. CpGs that with significantly elevated methylation level in breast cancer than not only their adjacent normal tissues and the other ten common cancers from TCGA but also the healthy breast tissues from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were finally remained for logistic regression analysis. Another independent breast cancer DNA methylation dataset from GEO was used as the testing set. Lots of CpGs were hyper-methylated in breast cancer samples compared with adjacent normal tissues, which tend to be negatively correlated with gene expressions. Eight CpGs located at RIIAD1, ENPP2, ESPN, and ETS1, were finally retained. The diagnostic model was reliable in separating BRCA from normal samples. Besides, chromatin accessibility status of RIIAD1, ENPP2, ESPN and ETS1 showed great differences between MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. In conclusion, the present study should be helpful for breast cancer early and accurate diagnosis.

Breast MRI: False-Negative Results and Missed Opportunities

Breast MRI is the most sensitive modality for the detection of breast cancer. However, false-negative cases may occur, in which the cancer is not visualized at MRI and is instead diagnosed with another imaging modality. The authors describe the causes of false-negative breast MRI results, which can be categorized broadly as secondary to perceptual errors or cognitive errors, or nonvisualization secondary to nonenhancement of the tumor. Tips and strategies to avoid these errors are discussed. Perceptual errors occur when an abnormality is not prospectively identified, yet the examination is technically adequate. Careful development of thorough search patterns is critical to avoid these errors. Cognitive errors occur when an abnormality is identified but misinterpreted or mischaracterized as benign. The radiologist may avoid these errors by utilizing all available prior examinations for comparison, viewing images in all planes to better assess the margins and shapes of abnormalities, and appropriately integrating all available information from the contrast-enhanced, T2-weighted, and T1-weighted images as well as the clinical history. Despite this, false-negative cases are inevitable, as certain subtypes of breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive lobular carcinoma, and certain well-differentiated invasive cancers, may demonstrate little to no enhancement at MRI, owing to differences in angiogenesis and neovascularity. MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool in breast imaging. However, MRI should continue to be used as a complementary modality, with mammography and US, in the detection of breast cancer. ^©RSNA, 2021.

Correlation between family history and characteristics of breast cancer

Family history is a major risk factor for breast cancer; approximately 5–10% cases of breast cancer are associated with a family history. Herein, we investigated the link between family history and breast cancer features to elucidate the importance of family history in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Data from 10,549 patients with breast cancer were collected from 2014 to 2017. Detailed information about the family history of the patients including the degree and number of relatives affected and the types of cancer was recorded. The tumors were pathologically and clinically classified based on the stage, grade, ER, PR, HER2, Ki-67 status, and subtypes, according to standard guidelines. Data were analyzed using χ² test and multiple logistic regression. Patients with a family history of other cancer types were significantly older at diagnosis than patients with a family history of breast/ovarian cancer (p = 0.002) and those without a family history of cancer (p < 0.001). Patients without a family history of cancer were typically diagnosed at a later stage, including high frequency in N2 (p = 0.035) and TNM stage III (p = 0.015). Compared with patients with second-/third-degree relatives, those with first-degree relatives having breast/ovarian cancer had a higher median age (54.1, p < 0.001) at diagnosis and showed more advanced disease. No significant difference was found between ER, PR, and HER2 status in patients with and without a family history of cancer. Family history of breast cancer can influence the cancer characteristics of the patients at diagnosis, especially patient age, tumor stage, and grade.

Spatiotemporal strategies to identify aggressive biology in precancerous breast biopsies

Over 90% of breast cancer is cured; yet there remain highly aggressive breast cancers that develop rapidly and are extremely difficult to treat, much less prevent. Breast cancers that rapidly develop between breast image screening are called "interval cancers." The efforts of our team focus on identifying multiscale integrated strategies to identify biologically aggressive precancerous breast lesions. Our goal is to identify spatiotemporal changes that occur prior to development of interval breast cancers. To accomplish this requires integration of new technology. Our team has the ability to perform single cell in situ transcriptional profiling, noncontrast biological imaging, mathematical analysis, and nanoscale evaluation of receptor organization and signaling. These technological innovations allow us to start to identify multidimensional spatial and temporal relationships that drive the transition from biologically aggressive precancer to biologically aggressive interval breast cancer. This article is categorized under: Cancer > Computational Models Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Cancer > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics.

The clinicopathological and MRI features of patients with BRCA1/2 mutations in familial breast cancer

Background

To determine the histopathological and MRI features of BRCA1/2 mutation-associated familial breast cancers compared with those of BRCA1/2 mutation-negative and sporadic breast cancers and to further compare the imaging features of cancers from BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers according to lesion type on MRI.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records was conducted to determine tumour clinicopathologic features and MRI characteristics between June 2011 and July 2017, and 93 lesions with BRCA mutations, 93 lesions without BRCA mutations from familial breast cancers and 93 lesions from sporadic breast cancers were included. Histopathologic data, including immunohistochemistry findings and MRI data according to the BI-RADS lexicon, were reviewed. The association between MRI or histopathologic findings and BRCA mutations was analysed.

Results

BRCA-positive familial breast cancers had a higher number of IDCs with high nuclear grade and lymph node metastasis (all P<0.05), while the BRCA-negative group had a significantly lower Ki-67 index (P<0.001). BPE on MRI was found to be significantly lower for BRCA mutations of familial breast cancer (P=0.024). BRCA1 carriers tended to exhibit the triple-negative phenotype with a more benign shape and margin (P=0.006 and 0.019), whereas BRCA2 mutations were associated with the luminal phenotype and more malignant features.

Conclusions

BRCA mutation carriers had a significantly higher number of IDCs with more aggressive cancer, and BRCA-negative cancers had low proliferation levels. Background features on MRI may help to identify BRCA status, while tumour characteristics can differentiate the BRCA1/2 mutation status, consistent with the differences in their clinicopathologic features.

A Step Forward in Breast Cancer Research: From a Natural-Like Experimental Model to a Preliminary Photothermal Approach

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies and common causes of cancer death in women. Recent studies suggest that environmental exposures to certain chemicals, such as 7,12-Dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA), a chemical present in tobacco, may increase the risk of developing breast cancer later in life. The first-line treatments for breast cancer (surgery, chemotherapy or a combination of both) are generally invasive and frequently associated with severe side effects and high comorbidity. Consequently, novel approaches are strongly required to find more natural-like experimental models that better reflect the tumors' etiology, physiopathology and response to treatments, as well as to find more targeted, efficient and minimally invasive treatments. This study proposes the development and an in deep biological characterization of an experimental model using DMBA-tumor-induction in Sprague-Dawley female rats. Moreover, a photothermal therapy approach using a near-infrared laser coupled with gold nanoparticles was preliminarily assessed. The gold nanoparticles were functionalized with Epidermal Growth Factor, and their physicochemical properties and in vitro effects were characterized. DMBA proved to be a very good and selective inductor of breast cancer, with 100% incidence and inducing an average of 4.7 tumors per animal. Epigenetic analysis showed that tumors classified with worst prognosis were hypomethylated. The tumor-induced rats were then subjected to a preliminary treatment using functionalized gold nanoparticles and its activation by laser (650-900 nm). The treatment outcomes presented very promising alterations in terms of tumor histology, confirming the presence of necrosis in most of the cases. Although this study revealed encouraging results as a breast cancer therapy, it is important to define tumor eligibility and specific efficiency criteria to further assess its application in breast cancer treatment on other species.

Breast MRI texture analysis for prediction of BRCA-associated genetic risk

Background

BRCA1/2 deleterious variants account for most of the hereditary breast and ovarian cancer cases. Prediction models and guidelines for the assessment of genetic risk rely heavily on criteria with high variability such as family cancer history. Here we investigated the efficacy of MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) texture features as a predictor for BRCA mutation status.

Methods

A total of 41 female breast cancer individuals at high genetic risk, sixteen with a BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant and twenty five controls were included. From each MRI 4225 computer-extracted voxels were analyzed. Non-imaging features including clinical, family cancer history variables and triple negative receptor status (TNBC) were complementarily used. Lasso-principal component regression (L-PCR) analysis was implemented to compare the predictive performance, assessed as area under the curve (AUC), when imaging features were used, and lasso logistic regression or conventional logistic regression for the remaining analyses.

Results

Lasso-selected imaging principal components showed the highest predictive value (AUC 0.86), surpassing family cancer history. Clinical variables comprising age at disease onset and bilateral breast cancer yielded a relatively poor AUC (~ 0.56). Combination of imaging with the non-imaging variables led to an improvement of predictive performance in all analyses, with TNBC along with the imaging components yielding the highest AUC (0.94). Replacing family history variables with imaging components yielded an improvement of classification performance of ~ 4%, suggesting that imaging compensates the predictive information arising from family cancer structure.

Conclusions

The L-PCR model uncovered evidence for the utility of MRI texture features in distinguishing between BRCA1/2 positive and negative high-risk breast cancer individuals, which may suggest value to diagnostic routine. Integration of computer-extracted texture analysis from MRI modalities in prediction models and inclusion criteria might play a role in reducing false positives or missed cases especially when established risk variables such as family history are missing.

Enhance PARPi Application beyond BRCA-Mutant Breast Cancer (BC): Facts Are Facts

Breast cancer (BC) represents one of the three most common neoplasia and the principal worldwide leading cause of death among women [...].

Effects of Germline Pathogenic Variants, Cancer Subtypes, Tumor-related Characteristics, and Pregnancy-associated Diagnosis on Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Although breast cancer (BC) is uncommon in women age ≤ 35 years, women in this age group may have more aggressive cancer subtypes and high-risk pathogenic variants (HRPVs). Higher recurrence and mortality rates in young patients may be related to differences in tumor biology, pathologic mutation status, or treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate germline mutation status and other factors that affect recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in young women with BC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of women diagnosed with BC at age ≤ 35 years at Allina Health System from 2000 through 2017 (n = 306). Information was collected on germline mutation status, tumor characteristics (grade, hormone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), molecular subtype, pregnancy-associated cancers, and treatment. Survival analyses using Kaplan-Meier curves were conducted for RFS and OS.

RESULTS

With mean follow-up of 6.5 years, OS was 87.0% for invasive cancers, RFS was 84.7%; 69% obtained genetic testing, and 26.9% had HRPVs. There were no differences in RFS or OS between patients with HRPV versus unknown/low/moderate risk variants. Recurrence analysis showed increased recurrence rates in luminal B-like cancers followed by triple negative and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive cancers (P = .041). Pregnancy-associated BC diagnoses, angiolymphatic invasion, and tumor stage were associated with reduced OS. In spite of young age at diagnosis, nearly one-third of patients did not receive germline genetic testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar survival patterns were found between women with HRPV versus no known mutations. Luminal B-like subtype, pregnancy-associated BC, angiolymphatic invasion, and cancer stage were associated with reduced OS.

Missed Breast Cancer: Effects of Subconscious Bias and Lesion Characteristics

Medical errors are a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality and the third leading cause of death in the United States. Errors resulting in missed breast cancer are the most common reason for medical malpractice lawsuits against all physicians. Missed breast cancers are breast malignancies that are detectable at retrospective review of a previously obtained mammogram that was prospectively reported as showing negative, benign, or probably benign findings. Investigators in prior studies have found that up to 35% of both interval cancers and screen-detected cancers could be classified as missed. As such, in conjunction with having awareness of the most common misleading appearances of breast cancer, it is important to understand the cognitive processes and unconscious biases that can impact image interpretation, thereby helping to decrease the number of missed breast cancers. The various cognitive processes that lead to unconscious bias in breast imaging, such as satisfaction of search, inattention blindness, hindsight, anchoring, premature closing, and satisfaction of reporting, are outlined in this pictorial review of missed breast cancers. In addition, strategies for reducing the rates of these missed cancers are highlighted. The most commonly missed and misinterpreted lesions, including stable lesions, benign-appearing masses, one-view findings, developing asymmetries, subtle calcifications, and architectural distortion, also are reviewed. This information will help illustrate why and how breast cancers are missed and aid in the development of appropriate minimization strategies in breast imaging. ^©RSNA, 2020.

Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Positive Breast Cancer Is Associated with Indigenous American Ancestry in Latin American Women

Women of Latin American origin in the United States are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced breast cancer and have a higher risk of mortality than non-Hispanic White women. Studies in U.S. Latinas and Latin American women have reported a high incidence of HER2 positive (+) tumors; however, the factors contributing to this observation are unknown. Genome-wide genotype data for 1,312 patients from the Peruvian Genetics and Genomics of Breast Cancer Study (PEGEN-BC) were used to estimate genetic ancestry. We tested the association between HER2 status and genetic ancestry using logistic and multinomial logistic regression models. Findings were replicated in 616 samples from Mexico and Colombia. Average Indigenous American (IA) ancestry differed by subtype. In multivariate models, the odds of having an HER2+ tumor increased by a factor of 1.20 with every 10% increase in IA ancestry proportion (95% CI, 1.07-1.35; P = 0.001). The association between HER2 status and IA ancestry was independently replicated in samples from Mexico and Colombia. Results suggest that the high prevalence of HER2+ tumors in Latinas could be due in part to the presence of population-specific genetic variant(s) affecting HER2 expression in breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: The positive association between Indigenous American genetic ancestry and HER2+ breast cancer suggests that the high incidence of HER2+ subtypes in Latinas might be due to population and subtype-specific genetic risk variants.

Pan-Asian adapted ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of patients with early breast cancer: a KSMO-ESMO initiative endorsed by CSCO, ISMPO, JSMO, MOS, SSO and TOS

In view of the planned new edition of the most recent version of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of primary breast cancer published in 2015, it was decided at the ESMO Asia Meeting in November 2018, by both the ESMO and the Korean Society of Medical Oncology (KSMO), to convene a special face-to-face guidelines meeting in 2019 in Seoul. The aim was to adapt the latest ESMO 2019 guidelines to take into account the ethnic and geographical differences associated with the treatment of early breast cancer in Asian patients. These guidelines represent the consensus opinions reached by experts in the treatment of patients with early breast cancer representing the oncology societies of Korea (KSMO), China (CSCO), India (ISMPO) Japan (JSMO), Malaysia (MOS), Singapore (SSO) and Taiwan (TOS). The voting was based on scientific evidence, and was independent of both the current treatment practices, and the drug availability and reimbursement situations, in the individual participating Asian countries.

Evaluation of single-view contrast-enhanced mammography as novel reading strategy: a non-inferiority feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Guidelines recommend screening of high-risk women using breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) has matured, providing excellent diagnostic accuracy. To lower total radiation dose, evaluation of single-view (1 V) CEM exams might be considered instead of double-view (2 V) readings as an alternative reading strategy in women who cannot undergo MRI.

METHODS

This retrospective non-inferiority feasibility study evaluates whether the use of 1 V results in an acceptable sensitivity for detecting breast cancer (non-inferiority margin, - 10%). CEM images from May 2013 to December 2017 were included. 1 V readings were performed by consensus opinion of three radiologists, followed by 2 V readings being performed after 6 weeks. Cases were considered "malignant" if the final BI-RADS score was ≥ 4, enabling calculation of sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Histopathological results or follow-up served as a gold standard.

RESULTS

A total of 368 cases were evaluated. Mean follow-up for benign or negative cases was 20.9 months. Sensitivity decreased by 9.6% from 92.9 to 83.3% when only 1 V was used for evaluation (p < 0.001). The lower limit of the 90% confidence interval around the difference in sensitivity between 1 V and 2 V readings was - 15% and lies below the predefined non-inferiority margin of - 10%. Hence, non-inferiority of 1 V to 2 V reading cannot be concluded. AUC for 1 V was significantly lower, 0.861 versus 0.899 for 2 V (p = 0.0174).

CONCLUSION

Non-inferiority of 1 V evaluations as an alternative reading strategy to standard 2 V evaluations could not be concluded. 1 V evaluations had lower diagnostic performance compared with 2 V evaluations.

KEY POINTS

• To lower radiation exposure used in contrast-enhanced mammography, we studied a hypothetical alternative strategy: single-view readings (1 V) versus (standard) double-view readings (2 V). • Based on our predefined margin of - 10%, non-inferiority of 1 V could not be concluded. • 1 V evaluation is not recommended as an alternative reading strategy to lower CEM-related radiation exposure.

The clinical impact of MRI screening for BRCA mutation carriers: the first report in Japan

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus on the appropriate surveillance for high-risk women with breast cancer in Japan. We investigated their imaging features and pathological characteristics to build a proper surveillance system for asymptomatic high-risk individuals in the future.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 93 female (median age 43 years) BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers from our institutional clinical database from 2011 to 2017. The study population was composed of 112 breast cancers. Mammography and MRI were reviewed by examiners blinded to patients' clinical history. Final surgical or biopsy histopathology served as the reference standard in all the patients.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine breast cancers met selection criteria; of these, 30 were BRCA1-associated tumors, and 29 were BRCA2-associated tumors. Invasive ductal carcinoma was the most prevalent type in both BRCA1 and BRCA2. There were statistically significant differences in phenotype, nuclear grade, and Ki-67 labeling index between BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. Additionally, imaging findings on mammography and MRI were statistically different. Tumors in BRCA2 carriers demonstrated mammographic calcifications more frequently, while those in BRCA1 carriers demonstrated a mass or architectural distortion (P < 0.001). Enhancement pattern on MRI also significantly differed between the two subgroups (P = 0.006). The size of MRI-detected lesions was statistically smaller than the size of those detected by other modalities (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

The imaging and histological characteristics of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers were consistent with other countries' studies. MRI-detected lesions were significantly smaller than lesions detected by non-MRI modality. All lesions in BRCA1 mutation carriers could be detected by MRI.

Age-related risk factors associated with primary contralateral breast cancer among younger women versus older women

PURPOSE

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy is increasing, despite unclear evidence of improving survival. To investigate the age-related risk factors for contralateral breast cancer (CBC).

METHODS

This study included 8716 patients diagnosed with non-metastatic unilateral invasive breast cancer between 1989 and 2008. Data on primary tumor size, node metastasis, grade and subtype using individual matching were used to adjust for differences in the primary tumor and treatment between younger and older age groups. CBC risk factors, CBC-free survival, and annual CBC risk were analyzed by age.

RESULTS

The younger group included 652 patients aged under 35 years, and the older group included 2608 women aged 35 years or older. The median time to CBC development was 6.1 years. CBC was detected in 6.6% of the women in the younger group and 2.5% of those in the older group. Multivariable analysis revealed a relative CBC risk of 2.48 in younger women compared to older women. The risk was significantly higher among women with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-overexpressing tumors (hazard ratio [HR] 4.98), a family history of breast cancer (HR 7.79), and anti-hormone therapy (HR 3.46). In younger women with HER2-positive cancer, CBC occurrence peaked at 4.6 years after surgery, in those with hormone receptor-positive cancer, it peaked at 7.1 years after surgery, and in triple-negative disease cases, and it increased steadily over time.

CONCLUSIONS

After adjusting for primary breast tumor characteristics, patients < 35 years old had 2.5 times the risk of CBC development compared to the older women. CBC occurrence peaked within 5 years after primary breast cancer in younger women with the HER2-positive subtype and after 5 years in cases with the hormone receptor-positive subtype.

Association Between BRCA Status and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of aggressive breast cancer and characterized by a lack of the expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. BRCA genes are tumor-suppressor genes that are involved in DNA damage repair and mutations of BRCA genes may increase the risk of developing breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer due to defective DNA repair mechanisms. However, the relationship between BRCA status and TNBC needs to be further investigated and validated. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between BRCA status and TNBC. We systematically searched the electronic databases of MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane Library to identify relevant publications from April, 1959 to November, 2017. The data from the studies were examined by a meta-analysis using STATA software to calculate the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) by fixed-effect and random-effect models. We identified 16 qualified studies from 527 publications with 46,870 breast cancer patients including 868 BRCA1 mutations (BRCA1^Mut) carriers, 739 BRCA2 mutations (BRCA2^Mut) carriers, and 45,263 non-carriers. The results showed that breast cancer patients with BRCA1^Mut carriers were more likely to have TNBC than those of BRCA2^Mut carriers (OR: 3.292; 95% CI: 2.773–3.909) or non-carriers (OR: 8.889; 95% CI: 6.925–11.410). Furthermore, high expression of nuclear grade and large tumor burden (>2 cm) were significantly more common in breast cancer patients with BRCA1^Mut carriers than those of BRCA2^Mut carriers (OR: 2.663; 95% CI: 1.731–4.097; P = 0.211) or non-carriers (OR: 1.577; 95% CI: 1.067–2.331; P = 0.157). The data suggest that breast cancer patients with BRCA1^Mut are more likely to have TNBC, high nuclear grade, and larger tumor burden.

Breast Lesions in Children and Adolescents: Diagnosis and Management

Pediatric breast disease is uncommon, and primary breast carcinoma in children is extremely rare. Therefore, the approach used to address breast lesions in pediatric patients differs from that in adults in many ways. Knowledge of the normal imaging features at various stages of development and the characteristics of breast disease in the pediatric population can help the radiologist to make confident diagnoses and manage patients appropriately. Most breast diseases in children are benign or associated with breast development, suggesting a need for conservative treatment. Interventional procedures might affect the developing breast and are only indicated in a limited number of cases. Histologic examination should be performed in pediatric patients, taking into account the size of the lesion and clinical history together with the imaging findings. A core needle biopsy is useful for accurate diagnosis and avoidance of irreparable damage in pediatric patients. Biopsy should be considered in the event of abnormal imaging findings, such as non-circumscribed margins, complex solid and cystic components, posterior acoustic shadowing, size above 3 cm, or an increase in mass size. A clinical history that includes a risk factor for malignancy, such as prior chest irradiation, known concurrent cancer not involving the breast, or family history of breast cancer, should prompt consideration of biopsy even if the lesion has a probably benign appearance on ultrasonography.

Comparison of background parenchymal enhancement and fibroglandular density at breast magnetic resonance imaging between BRCA gene mutation carriers and non-carriers

OBJECTIVE

High background parenchymal enhancement and amount of fibroglandular tissue on breast magnetic resonance imaging are related to increased breast cancer risk. This study sought to compare these parameters between BRCA mutation carriers and non-carriers and to evaluate the potential implications of the findings for short term follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Magnetic resonance imaging studies of known BRCA mutation carriers, were compared to age-matched non-carrier studies performed in the same center during the same period. The groups were compared for qualitative background parenchymal enhancement and amount of fibroglandular tissue using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS).

RESULTS

Breast parenchymal enhancement was high in up to one-third of the cohort: 22% of carriers and 33% of controls (p = 0.013). These results were sustained on separate analysis of menstrual-cycle-timed examinations. Amount of fibroglandular tissue was high in most cases: 62% of carriers and 75% of controls (p = 0.004). A BI-RADS final assessment score of 3 was more common in patients with high parenchymal enhancement, especially controls.

CONCLUSION

BRCA mutation carriers demonstrated lower levels of breast parenchymal enhancement and amount of fibroglandular tissue than age-matched non-carriers. These differences are probably influenced by hormonal status, as well as highlight different risks in distinctive subgroups of breast cancer (hormone-enriched, mutation-associated defective DNA damage repair), affecting considerations of preventive medical treatment. Differences in the indications for imaging between the carrier and non-carrier groups (screening for mutations and breast cancer evaluation, respectively) probably accounted for the higher rate of BI-RADS 3 in the control group.