Sonographic Features of Triple-Negative Breast Carcinomas Are Correlated With mRNA–lncRNA Signatures and Risk of Tumor Recurrence

Abstract

BackgroundTo determine a correlation between mRNA and lncRNA signatures, sonographic features, and risk of recurrence in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data from 114 TNBC patients having undergone transcriptome analysis. The risk of tumor recurrence was determined based on the correlation between transcriptome profiles and recurrence-free survival. Ultrasound (US) features were described according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. Multivariate logistic regression analysis determined the correlation between US features and risk of recurrence. The predictive value of sonographic features in determining tumor recurrence was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsThree mRNAs (CHRDL1, FCGR1A, and RSAD2) and two lncRNAs (HIF1A-AS2 and AK124454) were correlated with recurrence-free survival in patients with TNBC. Among the three mRNAs, two were upregulated (FCGR1A and RSAD2) and one was downregulated (CHRDL1) in TNBCs. LncRNAs HIF1A-AS2 and AK124454 were upregulated in TNBCs. Based on these signatures, an integrated mRNA–lncRNA model was established using Cox regression analysis to determine the risk of tumor recurrence. Benign-like sonographic features, such as regular shape, circumscribed margin, posterior acoustic enhancement, and no calcifications, were associated with HIF1A-AS2 expression and high risk of tumor recurrence (P<0.05). Malignant-like features, such as irregular shape, uncircumscribed margin, no posterior acoustic enhancement, and calcifications, were correlated with CHRDL1 expression and low risk of tumor recurrence (P<0.05).ConclusionsSonographic features and mRNA–lncRNA signatures in TNBCs represent the risk of tumor recurrence. Taken together, US may be a promising technique in determining the prognosis of patients with TNBC.

Survival outcome assessment for triple-negative breast cancer: a nomogram analysis based on integrated clinicopathological, sonographic, and mammographic characteristics

“…Interestingly, the positive relationship between the malignant-like sonographic features and the poor prognosis of TNBCs was contrary to our previous finding that TNBCs with benign-like sonographic features have aggressive biological properties [ 27 , 46 ] and a higher recurrence risk [ 26 ]. Some other researches also came to the controversial conclusion that TNBCs with circumscribed margins and posterior acoustic enhancement share more proliferative and aggressive biological properties.…”

“…Some other researches also came to the controversial conclusion that TNBCs with circumscribed margins and posterior acoustic enhancement share more proliferative and aggressive biological properties. Our previous study [ 26 ] and the study by Elfgen et al [ 47 ] show that although BLIS has a higher probability of presenting with benign-like sonographic features, it tends to have poorer survival outcomes than the other three subtypes of TNBC. While the two studies only identify the relationship between ultrasound characteristics and different subtypes of TNBCs, they did not analyze the association between sonographic features and disease outcomes directly.…”

“…Abnormal axillary lymph nodes on US were defined as those with irregular cortical thickness ≥ 3 mm, longest/shortest axis ratio < 2, or absence of fatty hilum [ 24 , 25 ]. To avoid inter-observer variations in BI-RADS scores, all breast masses were reevaluated and classified into three subcategories based on the number of malignant features in US images: no malignant sonographic features; 1–2 malignant sonographic features, and ≥ 3 malignant sonographic features [ 26 ]. Malignant sonographic features included vertical orientation, irregular shape, uncircumscribed angular and/or spiculated margin, presence of echo halo, posterior acoustic shadow, and presence of calcification [ 27 , 28 ].…”

Association Between Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound Characteristics and Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancer

“…Previous studies found that the CEUS perfusion pattern of medullary carcinoma usually presents as regular morphology, with well-defined margins and homogenous enhancement. 40 TN subtype BC has been reported 41 to have a smooth boundary, which may be related to the relatively rapid progression of the tumor. The rapid growth and internal microenvironment of the TN subtype of BC results in fast enhancement and hyperenhancement perfusion patterns.…”

Concomitant medication of cetirizine in advanced melanoma could enhance anti-PD-1 efficacy by promoting M1 macrophages polarization

“…Although this is a retrospective study, our clinical observation of a correlation between improved outcomes and concomitant cetirizine stands for a favorable drug interaction where increased macrophage killing phenotype in the tumor microenvironment has a beneficial effect potentiating the immunotherapy. Indeed, the expression of CCL8, IFIT1, IFIT3, IFI27, MX1, and RSAD2 has previously been considered favorably prognostic in several types of cancer [4,6,8,20].…”