A Radiologic Masquerade: Camrelizumab-Associated Breast Lesions That Mimic Progression
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Background
Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) involving the breast remain rarely reported.
Purpose
To characterize clinical and imaging features of camrelizumab-associated breast lesions (CABLs).
Materials and Methods
This retrospective dual-cohort study (October 2019 to February 2026) included 196 female patients. Cohort A comprised 180 non-breast cancer patients; Cohort B comprised 16 breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant camrelizumab. Baseline characteristics, treatment response, and CT/MRI features were compared between CABL-positive and CABL-negative groups using Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests.
Results
CABLs developed in 34.4% (62/180) of Cohort A and 93.8% (15/16) of Cohort B. CABL□positive patients were younger (median 50.5 vs 54.5 years; P = 0.006) and more often premenopausal (46.8% vs 26.3%; P = 0.009). The objective response rate was relatively high among patients with positive lesions; in Group A, the disease progression rate was lower in the CABL-positive group than in the CABL-negative group (3.2% vs 17.8%), whilst in Group B, the pathological complete response rate was as high as 53.3% (8/15). On CT/MRI, CABLs were predominantly multiple (62.5%), with well□defined margins and unrestricted diffusion. The predominant time□intensity curve (TIC) pattern was washout (46.7%). Median time to onset was 2-3 cycles (the second MRI scan); most lesions disappeared (40.3%) and shrank (46.8%) during follow□up. ADC values of lesions were significantly higher than those of primary tumors (1.847±0.284 vs 0.976±0.055 ×10□³ mm²/s; P < 0.001). Histopathology of four lesions revealed lymphocytic infiltration and fibrosis without malignancy.
Conclusion
CABLs are benign reactive changes driven by multiple factors. Their recognition prevents misinterpretation as disease progression, thereby avoiding unnecessary treatment discontinuation or biopsy.
Highlights
What is already known on this topic
Although irAEs have been described in nearly every organ system, involvement of the breast—whether as a primary or secondary site—has been rarely reported.
What this study adds
Camrelizumab-associated breast lesions (CABLs) are predominantly benign reactive changes (irAEs), not disease progression, and patients with these lesions show higher objective response rates, suggesting they may serve as a radiological biomarker for better treatment outcomes.
How this study might affect research, practice or policy
For CABLs, a “watch and wait” strategy with imaging follow-up is recommended unless atypical features arise.
