Deep learning assessment of metastatic relapse risk from digitized breast cancer histological slides

Accurate risk stratification is critical for guiding treatment decisions in early breast cancer. We present an artificial intelligence (AI)-based tool that analyzes digitized tumor slides to predict 5-year metastasis-free survival (MFS) in patients with estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative (ER + /HER2 − ) early breast cancer (EBC).

Our deep learning model, RlapsRisk BC, independently predicts MFS and provides significant prognostic value beyond traditional clinico-pathological variables (C-index 0.81 vs 0.76, p < 0.05). Applying a 5% MFS event probability threshold stratifies patients into low- and high-risk groups. After dichotomization, combining RlapsRisk BC with clinico-pathological factors increases cumulative sensitivity (0.69 vs 0.63) and dynamic specificity (0.80 vs 0.76) compared to clinical factors alone. Expert analysis of high-impact regions identified by the model highlights well- established morphological features, supporting its interpretability and biological relevance.