Quantitative stain-free imaging and digital profiling of collagen structure reveal diverse survival of triple negative breast cancer patients.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Stromal and collagen biology has a significant impact on tumorigenesis and metastasis. Collagen is a major structural extracellular matrix component in breast cancer, but its role in cancer progression is the subject of historical debate. Collagen may represent a protective layer that prevents cancer cell migration, while increased stromal collagen has been demonstrated to facilitate breast cancer metastasis. METHODS:Stromal remodeling is characterized by collagen fiber restructuring and realignment in stromal and tumoral areas. The patients in our study were diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in Singapore General Hospital from 2003 to 2015. We designed novel image processing and quantification pipelines to profile collagen structures using numerical imaging parameters

SUBMITTER: Gole L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7204022 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature