A Machine Learning Approach to Predict Stress Hormones and Inflammatory Markers Using Illness Perception and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients.

Irina Crumpei-Tanasă,Iulia Crumpei

doi:10.3390/curroncol28040275

Abstract

Psychosocial factors have become central concepts in oncology research. However, their role in the prognosis of the disease is not yet well established. Studies on this subject report contradictory findings. We examine if illness perception and quality of life reports measured at baseline could predict the stress hormones and inflammatory markers in breast cancer survivors, one year later. We use statistics and machine learning methods to analyze our data and find the best prediction model. Patients with stage I to III breast cancer (N = 70) were assessed twice, at baseline and one year later, and completed scales assessing quality of life and illness perception. Blood and urine samples were obtained to measure stress hormones (cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and inflammatory markers (c-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and fibrinogen). Family quality of life is a strong predictor for ACTH. Women who perceive their illness as being more chronic at baseline have higher ESR and fibrinogen values one year later. The artificial intelligence (AI) data analysis yields the highest prediction score of 81.2% for the ACTH stress hormone, and 70% for the inflammatory marker ESR. A chronic timeline, illness control, health and family quality of life were important features associated with the best predictive results.

Highlights

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women [1]
We examine whether psychosocial factors can predict stress hormones and inflammatory markers in breast cancer survivors, one year later
A total of 125 breast cancer patients were assessed for eligibility; 81 agreed to take part in our study and completed a baseline assessment; 11 women of the original sample did not take part in the second assessment, one year later

Summary

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women [1]. In Romania, the Ministry of Health reports an increase of over 15% in breast cancer incidence for the past decades, with 9629 new cases in 2018 [2]. Romania presents a worrisome increase in breast cancer mortality. Between 2005 and 2012, the mortality had a descendent trend, since 2013, the number of deaths has been constantly rising. 5-year survival rate improved to 80% in the past decade. Romania has one of the lowest survival rates in the European Union, due to reduced breast cancer screening and delayed diagnosis [2,3]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion