Predicting Pathological Complete Response After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer by Clinicopathological Indicators and Ultrasound Parameters Using a Nomogram

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Explore the impact of pretreatment serum albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) and changes in tumor blood supply on pathological complete response (pCR) in breast cancer(BC) patients following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Additionally, establish and validate a nomogram for predicting pCR. Methods Included BC patients undergoing NACT at Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2019 to October 2023. Analyzed the correlation between pCR and clinicopathological factors, as well as tumor ultrasound features, using chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Developed and validated a nomogram predicting pCR based on regression analysis results. Results The study included 176 BC patients, with 38.64% achieving pCR after NACT. Logistic regression analysis identified AAPR [odds ratio (OR): 2.616, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.140–5.998, P = 0.023], changes in tumor blood supply after two NACT cycles (OR: 2.247, 95%CI: 1.071–4.716, P = 0.032), tumor histological grade (OR: 3.843, 95%CI: 1.286–10.659, P = 0.010), and HER2 status (OR: 2.776, 95%CI: 1.057–7.240, P = 0.038) as independent predictors of pCR after NACT. The nomogram, based on AAPR, changes in tumor blood supply after two NACT cycles, tumor histological grade, and HER2 status, demonstrated a good predictive capability. Conclusion AAPR, changes in tumor blood supply after two NACT cycles, tumor histological grade, and HER2 status independently predicted pCR in BC patients following NACT. The nomogram, based on these positive factors, demonstrated a good predictive ability.