Correlation Analysis between Expression Profiles of Molecular Markers and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Parameters in Breast Cancer

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore the relationship between the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) properties and biological prognostic factors of breast cancer. Methods: The study included 49 patients aged 29 to 84 (averaging 52.9 ± 13.2 years). Each patient diagnosed with primary breast cancer and presenting single lesions underwent surgical treatment in our hospital between July 2019 and December 2022. CEUS was conducted before surgery to capture the images of breast cancer. Following surgery, the expression levels of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), and Ki-67 were determined using immunohistochemical analyses. The correlation with CEUS was then investigated using Spearman rank correlation and binary logistic regression statistical methods. Results: A detailed analysis was conducted on the correlation between prognostic factor expressions of breast cancer and CEUS parameters of the lesions. The relationship between the enhancement degree, enhancement pattern, perfusion defects, enhancement scope variation, perforator vessels and the expression status of HER-2, Ki-67, ER, PR was thoroughly analyzed. Conclusions: A definite correlation exists between the CEUS findings and the prognostic biomarkers of breast cancer. This correlation offers a possibility for noninvasive preoperative evaluation in predicting breast cancer prognosis.