Korean Journal of Radiology

The Korean Society of Radiology (대한영상의학회)
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Diffusion-Weighted MRI for the Assessment of Molecular Prognostic Biomarkers in Breast Cancer

  • Mami Iima (Department of Fundamental Development for Advanced Low Invasive Diagnostic Imaging, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine) ;
  • Masako Kataoka (Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine) ;
  • Maya Honda (Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine) ;
  • Denis Le Bihan (NeuroSpin, Joliot Institute, Department of Fundamental Research, Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique (CEA)-Saclay)
  • Received : 2023.03.02
  • Accepted : 2024.04.11
  • Published : 2024.07.01
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Abstract

This study systematically reviewed the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the assessment of molecular prognostic biomarkers in breast cancer, focusing on the correlation of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) with hormone receptor status and prognostic biomarkers. Our meta-analysis includes data from 52 studies examining ADC values in relation to estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and Ki-67 status. The results indicated significant differences in ADC values among different receptor statuses, with ER-positive, PgR-positive, HER2-negative, and Ki-67-positive tumors having lower ADC values compared to their negative counterparts. This study also highlights the potential of advanced DWI techniques such as intravoxel incoherent motion and non-Gaussian DWI to provide additional insights beyond ADC. Despite these promising findings, the high heterogeneity among the studies underscores the need for standardized DWI protocols to improve their clinical utility in breast cancer management.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

We thank Eric Sigmund for providing valuable advice on the manuscript. We also thank Edanz Group for editing a draft of this manuscript.

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