Predictive deep learning model based on contrast-enhanced mammography for breast cancer diagnosis: a pilot study

The interpretation of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) images heavily depends on radiologists' expertise, highlighting the need for automated tools to assist clinical decision-making. This pilot study aimed to develop a deep learning model using CEM images to predict the histological diagnosis of breast cancer.

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent CEM followed by histopathological assessment (October 2022-May 2023) across 2 centers. CEM images from center 1 were used for model development, including training and 10-fold cross-validation, while images from center 2 served as an independent external test set. The breast region was manually segmented, and 2 deep learning architectures were implemented as ensemble classifiers, using biopsy results as reference standard. Performance metrics included accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC) curve (AUC).

A total of 106 CEM images were retrospectively analyzed (50 from center 1 and 56 from center 2), obtained using different mammography systems. Histopathology identified 51 lesions (48%) as malignant and 55 (52%) as benign. Cross-validation yielded an ROC-AUC of 75% [58.4-91.6], accuracy of 68.7% [58.3-79], sensitivity of 68.9% [52.2-85.6], specificity of 67.8% [65.4-70.2], PPV of 69.3% [55.5-83.1], and NPV of 73.5% [55.2-91.8] (P < .05). External testing on images from center 2 (27 malignant, 29 benign) achieved an accuracy of 64.3%.

The study showed promising performance but requires further development and dataset expansion. The model has the potential to be integrated into clinical practice.

A deep learning model based on CEM provides a tool to support physicians in the decision-making process and reduce invasiveness in breast cancer management.