Time-dependent diffusion MRI-based microstructural mapping for preoperative prediction of intraductal component in invasive breast cancer

Motivation: Conventional MRI falls short in detecting specific imaging markers for an intraductal component(ductal carcinoma in situ) in invasive breast cancer (IBC-IC), thus affecting breast-conserving surgery. Advanced MRI techniques can help in preoperative evaluations. Goal(s): We evaluated the efficacy of td-dMRI for preoperatively identifying IBC-IC for surgical planning. Approach: We used td-dMRI to examine microstructural mapping in IBC patients by IMPULSED model, focusing on the parameters Dex, d, and vin to differentiate IBC-IC from IBC. Results: We revealed that elevated d and Dex and reduced vin are distinct microstructural markers of IBC-IC, which might facilitate surgical planning for IBC-IC patients. Impact: Parameters derived from td-dMRI have the potential to act as imaging biomarkers for distinguishing IBC-IC, thereby enhancing the precision of breast-conserving surgery planning.