Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Differential Imaging Features Based on Menopausal Status and Race.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with distinct biological behaviors.
• Imaging features can vary, potentially influenced by patient demographics like menopausal status and race.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between menopausal status, race, and the imaging characteristics of invasive ductal TNBC.
• To identify potential differences in lesion morphology and margins based on these demographic factors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 199 patients with invasive ductal TNBC (2014-2023).
• Categorization into pre/perimenopausal (n=67) and postmenopausal (n=132) groups.
• Statistical comparison of imaging features (shape, margins, calcifications) using Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests, with subgroup analysis by race (Black and White patients).

Main Results:

• Premenopausal TNBCs were more often round/oval (66%), while postmenopausal TNBCs were frequently irregular (50.5%) (P=.041).
• Indistinct margins were noted in premenopausal (42%) versus spiculated margins in postmenopausal (51.2%) TNBCs (P=.011).
• Black patients, regardless of menopausal status, showed a higher prevalence of round/oval shapes, whereas postmenopausal White women predominantly had irregular, spiculated masses (P<.009).

Conclusions:

• Menopausal status and race are significant factors influencing the imaging presentation of TNBC.
• These findings highlight the importance of considering demographic variables in the interpretation of TNBC imaging.
• This understanding may contribute to insights into TNBC biology and race-specific lesion characteristics.