The value of ultra-fast DISCO DCE in identifying HER2 zero-, low-, and over-expressing breast cancers

Motivation: HER2-low breast cancer patients may benefit from newly devised antibody-drug conjugates. However, the challenge lies in accurately identifying HER2-low status through non-invasive imaging techniques. Goal(s): Investigating the value of ultra-fast DISCO DCE for differentiating HER2-zero, HER2-low, and HER2-oe BC. Approach: 39 HER2-zero, 78 HER2-low, and 56 HER2-oe BC patients were involved. Quantitative kinetic parameters were calculated from DISCO DCE, including MS, BAT, Ktrans, Kep, Ve, IAUGC, and CER. Results: Kep and CER were independent factors to distinguish HER2-zero from HER2-low. MS and BAT were independent factors to discriminate HER2-zero from HER2-oe. BAT, Ve, and IAUGC were independent factors to differentiate HER2-low from HER2-oe. Impact: Our results suggested ultra-fast DISCO DCE derived quantitative kinetic parameters can serve as non-invasive biomarkers for identifying HER2-zero, HER2-low, and HER2-oe. The application of DISCO DCE would be beneficial for guiding treatment selection and monitoring HER2 status change during treatment.