MR and mammographic imaging features of HER2-positive breast cancers according to hormone receptor status: a retrospective comparative study

Abstract

Background

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer has two distinct subtypes according to hormone receptor (HR) status. Survival, pattern of recurrence, and treatment response differ between HR–/HER2+ and HR+/HER2+ cancers.

Purpose

To investigate imaging and clinicopathologic features of HER2+ cancers and their correlation with HR expression.

Material and Methods

Between 2011 and 2013, 252 consecutive patients with 252 surgically confirmed HER2+ cancers (125 HR– and 127 HR+) were included. Two experienced breast radiologists blinded to the clinicopathologic findings reviewed the mammograms and magnetic resonance (MR) images using the BI-RADS lexicon. Tumor kinetic features were acquired by computer-aided detection (CAD). The imaging and clinicopathologic features of 125 HR–/HER2+ cancers were compared with those of 127 HR+/HER2+ cancers. Association between the HR status and each feature was assessed.

Results

Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that circumscribed mass margin (odds ratio [OR], 4.73; P < 0.001), associated non-mass enhancement (NME) on MR images (OR, 3.29; P = 0.001), high histologic grade (OR, 3.89; P = 0.002), high Ki-67 index (OR, 3.06; P = 0.003), and older age (OR, 2.43; P = 0.006) remained independent indicators associated with HR–/HER2+ cancers. Between the two HER2+ subtypes, there were no differences in mammographic imaging presentations and calcification features and MR kinetic features by a CAD.

Conclusion

HER2+ breast cancers have different MR imaging (MRI) phenotypes and clinicopathologic feature according to HR status. MRI features related to HR and HER2 status have the potential to be used for the diagnosis and treatment decisions in HER2+ breast cancer patients.