Identify molecular subtypes in breast cancer using time-dependent diffusion MRI based microstructural mapping

Motivation: It is imperative to noninvasively assess molecular subtypes in patients with breast cancer, as these play a vital role in guiding treatment approaches and monitoring outcomes. However, conventional apparent diffusion coefficient measurements may not reliably identify the histopathologic differences in molecular subtypes. Goal(s): We explore the feasibility of time-dependent diffusion MRI (td-dMRI) based microstructural mapping for noninvasive identification of molecular subtypes. Approach: The td-dMRI method was validated on breast cancer patients, and microstructural parameters were estimated and compared among molecular subtypes. Results: The cellularity and diameter derived from td-dMRI proved effective for identifying molecular subtypes in breast cancer. Impact: Microstructural mapping derived from td-dMRI proves to be an effective method for predicting molecular subtypes, demonstrating unique microstructural properties acroess various molecular subtypes, and thus is promising in personalizing treatment strategies.