Abstract
A multigene expression assay corresponds to the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence after the initial diagnosis and can be used to guide the decision for additional chemotherapy. However, only few studies have investigated the associations between the imaging features of breast cancer and the results of multigene expression assays. Our study was to identify the relationship between imaging features on ultrasound (US) and the recurrence score (RS) on a 21-gene expression assay in patients with oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. 267 patients with ER-positive, HER-negative invasive breast cancer who underwent examinations using US and Oncotype DX assay were included. US images were independently reviewed by dedicated breast radiologists who were blind to the RS. Tumour roundness was measured using a laboratory-developed software program. The pathological data were reviewed, including immunohistochemistry results. Univariate analysis was performed to assess the associations between the RS and each variable. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of high RS. Of 267 patients, 147 (55%) had low, 96 (36%) intermediate, and 24 (9%) had high RS. According to the univariate analysis, parallel orientation, presence of calcification in the mass, and tumour roundness were positively associated with high RS. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that parallel orientation (OR = 5.53) and tumour roundness (OR = 1.70 per 10 increase) were associated with high RS. Parallel orientation and tumour roundness are independent variables that may predict high RS in patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.
Highlights
It is well established that the biologic characteristics of breast cancer are heterogeneous, complex, and demonstrate distinct intrinsic subtypes that are associated with different responses to treatment and patient outcomes [1,2]
Oncotype DX (Genomic Health, Redwood City, CA) is a prognostic, profiling, multigene diagnostic assay that estimates the likelihood of disease recurrence in women with early-stage oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer [5]
The purpose of our current study was to identify the relationship between imaging features on US, recurrence score (RS), and the results of the Oncotype DX gene-expression assay in patients with ER-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer
Summary
It is well established that the biologic characteristics of breast cancer are heterogeneous, complex, and demonstrate distinct intrinsic subtypes that are associated with different responses to treatment and patient outcomes [1,2]. Recent developments in genome-wide expression profiling technologies, such as DNA microarrays, provide detailed information for molecular analyses and better classify breast cancers according to their molecular features [3,4] These advances may provide additional insights for tailored diagnoses, treatments, and surveillance of individual patients. Oncotype DX (Genomic Health, Redwood City, CA) is a prognostic, profiling, multigene diagnostic assay that estimates the likelihood of disease recurrence in women with early-stage oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer [5]. This assay analyzes a panel of 21 genes from a tumour specimen using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine a recurrence score (RS). According to the NSABP-B20 trial, adjuvant chemotherapy demonstrates greater benefits toward high-RS tumours, very little benefit toward low-RS tumours, and uncertain benefits toward intermediate-RS tumours [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
