Multiparametric MRI Markers Associated with Breast Cancer Risk in Women with Dense Breasts

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Dense breasts pose challenges for mammography and increase breast cancer risk.
• Multiparametric MRI offers detailed tissue characterization beyond standard imaging.
• Understanding normal tissue MRI features can aid in risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate associations between normal breast tissue characteristics on multiparametric MRI and clinical breast cancer risk assessments.
• To evaluate quantitative MRI markers for differentiating high-risk from low-risk women with dense breasts.

Main Methods:

• Inclusion of women with dense breasts who underwent multiparametric MRI.
• Breast cancer risk assessment using Tyrer-Cuzick (TC) lifetime risk scores (high: ≥20%, low: <20%).
• Calculation of quantitative imaging markers: BPE:breast ratio, FGT:breast ratio, BPE:vessel ratio, and qualitative BPE.

Main Results:

• Quantitative MRI markers, specifically BPE:breast ratio, FGT:breast ratio, and BPE:vessel ratio, were significantly associated with higher breast cancer risk.
• Qualitative background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) assessment did not show a significant association with risk.
• Risk categorization based on imaging markers showed up to 70% concordance with TC risk scores.

Conclusions:

• Quantitative multiparametric MRI measures can moderately discriminate between high- and low-risk groups in women with dense breasts.
• These imaging biomarkers hold promise for supplementing existing breast cancer risk assessment tools.
• Further research is warranted to validate the clinical utility of these quantitative MRI markers.