Targeted diagnostics of breast cancer based on a comprehensive analysis of risk factors

BACKGROUND: To date, there are no effective methods for early diagnosis and screening of breast cancer. High-tech methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging and contrasted computed tomography, as well as positron emission computed tomography have high resolution, but their high cost does not allow the use of these techniques for screening and primary diagnosis.

AIM: To improve the quality and efficiency of diagnostic measures for breast cancer through a personalized approach based on an analysis of a set of risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the population cancer registry of the Altai Territory, created at the Altai Regional Oncology Center (Barnaul, Russia), were used. To date, the register includes information on 308 550 patients with malignant neoplasms, including 31 783 women with breast cancer.

Based on the method of targeted prevention by A.F. Lazarev “Method for determining the risk of breast cancer according to Lazarev A.F.” (Patent No. 2651131) an “Automated program for early diagnosis of breast cancer” was developed. The program significantly reduces the time for the formation of groups of high cancer risk precancers and increases the efficiency of breast cancer detection, and also makes it possible to develop a set of targeted preventive measures personally for each patient. Testing of this algorithm included testing of 512 patients, as a result of which a high-risk precancer group was formed. In the established register, patients underwent a complex of in-depth examinations (ultrasound examination, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging with dynamic contrast, and puncture of tumors if indicated).

RESULTS: The precancer group at high risk of developing breast cancer consisted of 92 patients, in-depth examination revealed 7 patients with established breast cancer, which amounted to 7.6%. All cases of breast cancer were detected in stages I and II.

CONCLUSION: Targeted diagnostics using the “Automated program for early diagnosis of breast cancer” allows to improve the quality and efficiency of diagnostic measures for breast cancer identification through personalized approach, using multiple risk factors.