A multimodal ultrasound-based model combining tumor radiomics and axillary lymph node morphologic classification for predicting axillary nodal burden in breast cancer - Report - MDSpire

A multimodal ultrasound-based model combining tumor radiomics and axillary lymph node morphologic classification for predicting axillary nodal burden in breast cancer

  • By

  • Renjie Lu

  • Taiyu Yang

  • Linlin Pan

  • Linlin Shao

  • Lili Zhang

  • Fangfang Sun

  • Jie Du

  • Lirong Zhao

  • June 4, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Integrated Ultrasound Model for Predicting Nodal Involvement

Overview

This study developed and validated a multimodal ultrasound model that integrates tumor radiomics and axillary lymph node morphological assessment to predict axillary nodal metastasis in breast cancer. The model demonstrated improved predictive performance, particularly in distinguishing nodal burden based on Ki-67 subgroups.

Background

Accurate assessment of axillary lymph node involvement is crucial for staging, treatment decisions, and quality of life in breast cancer patients. Traditional methods, such as sentinel lymph node dissection, can be invasive and carry risks of complications. Recent advances in ultrasound and radiomics offer potential for non-invasive assessment of nodal status, which is essential for personalized treatment planning.

Data Highlights

Model TypeAUC
Radiomics Model (First Level)0.79
Combined Model (First Level)0.90
Radiomics Model (Second Level)0.74
Combined Model (Second Level)0.78

Key Findings

  • The combined model incorporating ALN classification improved AUC from 0.79 to 0.90 for predicting ALN metastasis.
  • At the second level, the combined model increased AUC from 0.74 to 0.78 for distinguishing axillary nodal tumor burden.
  • Ki-67 was identified as an independent predictor of nodal involvement.
  • The combined model performed consistently well across Ki-67 subgroups, with superior performance in the low Ki-67 subgroup (AUC 0.82).
  • Ultrasound-based radiomics may enhance preoperative assessment of ALN status.

Clinical Implications

The multimodal ultrasound model may facilitate non-invasive prediction of axillary nodal metastasis, aiding in individualized risk stratification and treatment planning. This approach could optimize axillary management and reduce unnecessary surgical interventions.

Conclusion

The integration of tumor radiomics with lymph node morphology presents a promising strategy for accurate preoperative prediction of axillary nodal involvement in breast cancer. Further validation in clinical settings is warranted.

Related Resources & Content

  1. European Radiology, 2024 -- Ultrasound-based AI Model Assesses Axillary Lymph Node Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer: Findings from a Multicenter Study
  2. European Radiology, 2024 -- Assessing Residual Axillary Disease Following Neoadjuvant Therapy in Breast Cancer Through Initial MRI and Ultrasound Evaluations
  3. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Multimodal feature fusion model for breast mass malignant risk stratification
  4. Guidance on screening and symptomatic breast imaging, 2025 -- Royal College of Radiologists
  5. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Early-Stage Breast Cancer: ASCO Guideline Update, 2025 -- Journal of Clinical Oncology
  6. Integrating Transrectal Ultrasound with a Radiomics Approach to Assess Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Outcomes in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
  7. Resource Guide on Axillary Management for Patients With In-Situ and Invasive Breast Cancer
  8. Guidance on screening and symptomatic breast imaging
  9. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Early-Stage Breast Cancer: ASCO Guideline Update | Journal of Clinical Oncology
  10. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy vs No Axillary Surgery in Patients With Small Breast Cancer and Negative Results on Ultrasonography of Axillary Lymph Nodes: The SOUND Randomized Clinical Trial - PMC
  11. Axillary Surgery in Breast Cancer — Primary Results of the INSEMA Trial | New England Journal of Medicine
  12. Diagnosis of axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging published from 2014 to 2025 - PMC
  13. The predictive value of lymph node status pre-operation by ultrasound and MRI in early and newly diagnosed breast cancer | Clinical and Experimental Medicine | Springer Nature Link
  14. Value of intra- and peritumoral ultrasound radiomics for predicting axillary lymph node burden in breast cancer - PMC
  15. Frontiers | A Multimodal Ultrasound-Based Model Combining Tumor Radiomics and Axillary Lymph Node Morphologic Classification for Predicting Axillary Nodal Burden in Breast Cancer

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