Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging Versus MRI: Comparing the Diagnostic Performance in Assessing Treatment Response After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients With Breast Cancer

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2019 Mar;212(3):696-705. doi: 10.2214/AJR.17.18930. Epub 2019 Jan 8.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI) and breast MRI in assessing for residual tumor after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with breast cancer.

Materials and methods: A total of 114 patients underwent BSGI and MRI for initial staging as well as after undergoing NAC. Of those, 112 underwent subsequent definitive breast surgery. Thirty of the 114 patients had a complete pathologic response to NAC.

Results: BSGI and MRI had comparable sensitivities in detecting residual tumor after NAC (70% vs 83%). BSGI had a higher specificity than MRI in accurately determining complete response after NAC (90% vs 60%).

Conclusion: BSGI may be a useful adjunctive tool for predicting a complete pathologic response to NAC.

Keywords: breast MRI; breast cancer; breast imaging; breast-specific gamma imaging.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy
  • Radionuclide Imaging / methods*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi