Use of Machine Learning Techniques for Serial Assessment of Systemic Inflammatory Markers in Breast Cancer Patients

In breast cancer, increased neutrophil levels and decreased lymphocyte levels in peripheral blood are associated with worse overall survival (OS). In HR+, HER2- metastatic breast cancers, low pretreatment NLR and high pretreatment absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) were related with better progression-free survival (PFS) and OS. The development of predictive models, based on machine learning (ML) algorithms it has been used in prognostication and assist in the diagnosis of different types of cancer.

Although regular laboratory tests have potential to be breast cancer biomarkers, a single test is yet to provide adequate sensitivity or specificity. Artificial intelligence (AI) could help with integrating data from multiple tests to aid diagnosis. Technical improvements such as data storage capacity, computing power, and better algorithms mean that ML can process clinically meaningful information from laboratory test data. Models' generalisability and stability still need to be confirmed, in view of limitations such as the absence of various pathological types, small cohorts, and lack of external validation. Therefore, a competitive model is also essential to achieve more accurate stratification of patients with breast cancer. The purpose of this retrospective multicentre study is to systematically evaluate the ability of laboratory tests to predict breast cancer, and develop a robust and generalisable model to assist in identifying patients with breast cancer.

Inclusion criteria

• Women patients with age between 18 and 75 years old;
• Invasive breast carcinoma patients diagnosed by pathology ;
• Patients diagnosed between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2018;
• Have a complete blood count performed before the surgical intervention (mastectomy or conservative breast surgery) or neoadjuvant chemotherapy;

Exclusion criteria

Presence of hematological disorders;

• Bilateral breast cancer;
• Male;
• Karnofsky Performance Status Score < 70';
• Inflammatory breast cancer and in situ carcinoma;
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding;
• Evidence of local or distant recurrence.