Relation between cancer cellularity and apparent diffusion coefficient values using diffusion-weighted magnetic...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) is a valuable tool for characterizing tissue microstructure.
• Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values derived from DW-MRI reflect water molecule diffusion and can help differentiate between normal and cancerous tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between cancer cellularity and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in breast cancer using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.
• To determine if ADC values can differentiate between invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and noninvasive ductal carcinoma (NIDC).

Main Methods:

• The study included 27 women with 27 breast cancer lesions (24 IDC, 3 NIDC).
• Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.
• ADC values were compared between IDC, NIDC, and normal breast tissue.

Main Results:

• Mean ADC values for IDC (1.07 ± 0.19 x 10⁻³ mm²/s) and NIDC (1.42 ± 0.17 x 10⁻³ mm²/s) were significantly lower than for normal breasts (1.96 ± 0.21 x 10⁻³ mm²/s) (P < 0.001).
• Significant differences in mean ADC values were observed between IDC and NIDC (P < 0.001).
• No significant correlation was found between ADC values and cancer cellularity.

Conclusions:

• Breast cancer exhibits significantly different ADC values compared to normal breast tissue.
• ADC values in breast cancer correlate with histological types (IDC vs. NIDC) but not with cancer cellularity.
• DW-MRI and ADC values show potential for differentiating breast cancer subtypes.