Biomarkers, Prognosis, and Prediction Factors

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that can be grouped into four main molecular subtypes: luminal A, luminal B, HER2-enriched, and triple negative. These subtypes have different patient outcomes and treatments. Diffusion-weighted imaging biomarkers are associated with these cancer subtypes and response to treatment. They have also been associated with other markers of tumor aggressiveness, tumor invasiveness, and tumor extent. The associations between imaging biomarkers and cancer prognosis and outcomes are areas of robust research, with some conflicting results. This chapter summarizes the literature, including areas of disagreement and where future research is needed.