Prediction of upstaging in DCIS: the dominant role of pathological over imaging risk factors

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive breast cancer with variable risk of upstaging to invasive carcinoma. Accurate preoperative risk stratification is critical to guide management decisions and minimize overtreatment. This study aimed to identify clinicopathological and imaging predictors of DCIS upstaging to invasive cancer.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 701 patients diagnosed with DCIS, among whom 200 (28.5%) were upstaged to microinvasive or invasive carcinoma. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between upstaging and various factors, including tumor size, nuclear grade, comedo necrosis, progesterone receptor (PR) negativity, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression, and mammographic findings.

Tumor size > 5 cm, comedo necrosis, PR negativity, and mammographic microcalcifications were independent predictors of upstaging. While HER2 overexpression was significant in univariate analysis, it was not retained in the multivariate model. Non-mass lesions on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were not significant predictors.

Integrating these markers into preoperative risk stratification models may improve individualized treatment planning and reduce overtreatment in patients with DCIS.