Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) - based tumor subregions features associates with HER2 expression in breast cancer

Motivation: Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) analysis gives information on diffusion and perfusion and may have a potential for tumor tissue characterization and distinguish the HER2 expression. Goal(s): This work aims to cluster tumor subregions based on IVIM parameter maps and assess the optimal number of clusters and parameter of tumor subregions related to HER2 expression. Approach: we used kmeans method to split the ROI into different sub-regions based on IVIM maps, and imaging features to diagnose HER-2 expression. Results: We found the optimal number of clusters was 3, and F_Median in subregion 1, D_Median and F_Volume in subregion 2 strongly associated with HER2 expression. Impact: These subregions features are expected as a non-invasive way to obtain diffusion and perfusion information, leading to the discovery of reliable imaging biomarkers for guiding precision cancer therapy.