Correlation between the CEM imaging characteristics and different molecular subtypes of breast cancer

To investigate the correlation between the contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) imaging characteristics and different molecular subtypes of breast cancer (BC).

We retrospectively included 313 eligible female patients who underwent CEM examination and surgery in our hospital from July 2017 to July 2021. Their lesions were confirmed on histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis. BC was divided into luminal A, luminal B, HER2-enriched, and triple-negative BC (TNBC) subtypes according to immunohistochemical markers. Nine features were extracted from CEM images, including tumor shape, margins, spiculated mass, lobulated mass, malignant calcification, lesion conspicuity, internal enhancement pattern, multifocal mass, and swollen axillary lymph nodes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0. Univariate analysis and binomial regression were used to analyze the correlation between CEM imaging features and BC molecular subtypes.

There were 184 (58.8 %) Luminal A, 44 (14.1 %) Luminal B, 47 (15.0 %) HER-2-enriched and 38 (12.1 %) TNBC, respectively. Molecular subtypes were significantly related to the tumor shape, margins, spiculated mass, internal enhancement pattern, malignant calcification and swollen axillary lymph nodes. Spiculated and calcified tumors were associated with Luminal subtypes, especially Luminal B (P < 0.05). Irregular tumor shape and malignant calcification were associated with HER-2-enriched subtype (P < 0.05). Oval or round tumor shape, rim enhancement, and swollen axillary lymph nodes were associated with TNBC (P < 0.05).

CEM imaging features could distinguish BC molecular subtypes. In particular, TNBC showed oval or round tumor shape, rim enhancement, and swollen axillary lymph nodes, providing insights into the diagnosis and prognosis of TNBC.