MRI radiomics shows potential in determining breast cancer HER2 status

MRI radiomics features can differentiate breast cancers based on human epidermal growth factor receptors (HERs), according to research published January 24 in the American Journal of Roentgenology. Researchers led by Yuqin Peng from Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, Guangdong found that their nomogram based on MRI radiomics can distinguish HER2-zero from HER2-low or HER2-positives cancers, as well as HER2-low from HER2-positive cancers. “MRI radiomics may help select patients for novel or traditional HER2-targeted therapies, particularly in those with ambiguous immunohistochemical results or limited access to fluorescence in situ hybridization,” Peng and colleagues wrote. According to guidelines by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Pathological Society, clinicians should go by a three-tiered system to determine breast cancer HER2 expression: HER2-zero (not eligible for HER2-targeted therapy), HER2-low (novel HER2-targeted drugs), and HER2-positive (traditional HER2-targeted medications). These expressions exhibit differing biological characteristics that influence treatment strategy. While traditionally, pathologic analysis of biopsy or surgery specimens is used to determine expression status, the researchers noted that such analysis is susceptible to interobserver variability. They added that this could also lead to ambiguous interpretations in tumors with heterogeneous HER2 expression. Previous studies have exp...
Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Subspecialties MRI Breast Imaging Source Type: news