Machine learning with textural analysis of longitudinal multiparametric MRI and molecular subtypes accurately predicts pathologic complete response in patients with invasive breast cancer

PurposeTo predict pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy using extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) with MRI and non-imaging data at multiple treatment timepoints. Material and methodsThis retrospective study included breast cancer patients (n = 117) who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Data types used included tumor ADC values, diffusion-weighted and dynamic-contrast-enhanced MRI at three treatment timepoints, and patient demographics and tumor data. GLCM textural analysis was performed on MRI data. An extreme gradient boosting machine learning algorithm was used to predict pCR. Prediction performance was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating curve along with precision and recall. ResultsPrediction using texture features of DWI and DCE images at multiple treatment time points (AUC = 0.871; 95% CI: (0.768, 0.974; p<0.001) and (AUC = 0.903 95% CI: 0.854, 0.952; p<0.001) respectively), outperformed that using mean tumor ADC (AUC = 0.850 (95% CI: 0.764, 0.936; p<0.001)). The AUC using all MRI data was 0.933 (95% CI: 0.836, 1.03; p<0.001). The AUC using non-MRI data was 0.919 (95% CI: 0.848, 0.99; p<0.001). The highest AUC of 0.951 (95% CI: 0.909, 0.993; p<0.001) was achieved with all MRI and all non-MRI data at all time points as inputs. ConclusionUsing XGBoost on extracted GLCM features and non-imaging data accurately predicts pCR. This early prediction of response can minimize exposure to toxic chemotherapy, allowing regimen modification mid-treatment and ultimately achieving better outcomes.

Automated summary

Using extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) with MRI and non-imaging data, it is possible to predict pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. By analyzing texture features of DWI and DCE images, along with patient demographics and tumor data, pCR can be accurately predicted. The combination of MRI and non-MRI data from multiple treatment timepoints as inputs achieves the highest prediction accuracy.