Predictive Value of Dimensional and Functional MRI Parameters on Mid-Treatment MRI for Pathologic Complete Response...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) requires effective neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).
• Predicting treatment response early is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
• Mid-treatment assessment can guide therapeutic decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the predictive performance of mid-treatment breast MRI parameters for pathologic complete response (pCR).
• To identify dimensional and functional MRI metrics that forecast pCR in LABC patients undergoing NAC.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 65 LABC patients undergoing NAC.
• Calculation of quantitative MRI parameters (e.g., % change in diameter, volume, ADC, Epeak) from pre- and mid-NAC scans.
• Logistic regression and ROC analysis to identify and compare pCR predictors.

Main Results:

• pCR was achieved in 29% of patients.
• Significant reductions in tumor size and Epeak, and increases in ADC value were observed in patients with pCR.
• Mid-treatment % change in longest diameter (>60%) and % change in ADC value (≥32%) were independent predictors of pCR.

Conclusions:

• Mid-treatment MRI biomarkers, specifically % change in longest diameter and % change in ADC value, are effective early predictors of pCR.
• These MRI findings can potentially support individualized treatment strategies during NAC for LABC.