Mammographic Breast Density as a Predictive Factor for Pathological and Clinical Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequent malignant disease in women. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer leads to high clinical response rates of 70% to 90%. Breast density (BD) is one of the most important factor that affect pathological complete response. Low BD is associated with more likelihood of pCR. Similarly low MBD (<25%) was associated with better progression free survival in locally advanced patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Aim of the Study: Is to evaluate the impact of mammographic breast density as a predictive factor for pathological and clinical response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Patient and Method:The present study was carried out on 50 patients with confirmed diagnosis of invasive breast cancer and treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Mammographic breast density was assessed for each patient and its impact on clinical and pathological response to treatment.Results: Patients with low breast density were more likely to achieve pCR than patients with high breast density. Conclusion:Patient with low breast density are more likely to achieve complete and partial response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Other factors affect response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy as, age less than 40, low body mass index, premenopausal women, tumor grade 1, no lymphovascular invasion, absence of multicenteric tumor are more likely to achieve complete and partial response.