Prediction of HER2 status in breast cancer patients based on DCE-MRI imaging features combined Ki-67 and VEGF expression

Background: We aimed to investigate the value of dynamic contrast enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) features of breast cancer patients in predicting the expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and analyze the association between HER2 with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki-67), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Methods: This study enrolled 111 patients with breast cancer diagnosed by pathological analysis in our hospital. The association between preoperative DCE-MRI and the expression of HER2, Ki-67, as well as VEGF were analyzed. Results: The clinical analysis revealed that HER2 status was correlated with maximum tumor diameter, high expression of Ki-67 and VEGF. We observed statistical significant differences in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, multifocality and margins were statistically significant in breast cancer patients with different HER2 statuses. Whereas other DCE-MRI imaging features, such as mass type, shape, enhanced classification and time signal intensity curve (TIC), were not statistically significant. Conclusions: The clinicopathological and DCE-MRI imaging features of breast cancer patients may be used to evaluate the HER2 expression status in breast cancer patients, providing a theoretical basis for targeted therapy and prognosis evaluation.

DCE-MRI imaging; HER2; Prediction; Ki-67; VEGF

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