Ultrasound Utility for Predicting Biological Behavior of Invasive Ductal Breast Cancers

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation of ultrasound features with breast cancermolecular status. Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: A retrospective review was performed of ultrasound findings in 263patients diagnosed with breast invasive ductal carcinoma for comparison with immunohistochemistric resultswere obtained from each lesion. Relationships between ultrasound findings and molecular status were investigatedby using multiple regression analysis by means of stepwise logistic regression. Differences in ultrasound criteriawere assessed among women with different molecular status. <br/><b>Results</b>: ER positivity was associated with smallsize, lobulate, angular or spiculated margin contours, absence of calcification, posterior tumor shadowing and lowelasticity score; PR positivity was associated with small size, lobulate or angular or spiculated margin contoursand absence of calcification; HER2 positivity was associated with presence of calcification and absence of anyechogenic halo. The calculated models of predicted molecular status were accurate and discriminating with AUCsof 0.78, 0.74, and 0.74, respectively. <br/><b>Conclusions</b>: Breast cnacer ultrasound features show some correlation withthe molecular status. These models may help to expand the scope of ultrasound in predicting tumor biology.