[Evaluation of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy using breast scintigraphy in breast cancer].
OBJECTIVE
We sought to evaluate the usefulness of Tc-99m-sestamibi breast scintigraphy in predicting neoadjuvant chemotherapy response in patients with breast cancer.


METHODS
In 50 consecutive patients with breast cancer stages II and III, physical examination, mammography and scintimammography were performed before and after the administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The 3 assessments were compared for predictive value using a pathological response as reference. Values derived from visual assessment of the scintimammography, a quantitative tumor/background index, and isotope clearance were compared to the immunohistochemical expression of P-glycoprotein, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (CD31) in relation to neoadjuvant chemotherapy response.


RESULTS
Macroscopic response was obtained in 10 cases (20%). Sensitivity was 86.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70.4-94.9) for the physical examination, 83.3% (95% CI, 68-92.5) for the mammography and 76.5% (95% CI, 58.4-88.6) for the scintimammography. Specificity was 38.5% (95% CI, 15.1-67.7) for the physical examination, 42.9% (95% CI, 11.8-79.8) for the mammography and 8.3% (95% CI, 0.4-40.2) for the scintimammography. There were no statistically significant differences in isotope uptake and clearance with regard to response nor in relation to levels of expression of P-glycoprotein, VEGF and microvessel density.


CONCLUSIONS
Breast scintigraphy with Tc-99m-sestamibi is not useful in predicting the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. Traditional physical examination and mammography are more effective. Isotope uptake and clearance do not predict response and there is not an effective in vivo measurement of chemo-resistance or tumor angiogenesis.
Baena-Cañada
José M
JM
Unidad Clínica de Patología Mamaria, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain. josem.baena.sspa@juntadeandalucia.es
Partida-Palma
Francisca
F
Palomo-González
María J
MJ
Benítez
Encarnación
E
Rueda-Ramos
Antonio
A
García-Curiel
Antonio
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D017256:Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D017256:Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi