Subtype-Specific Detection in Stage Ia Breast Cancer: Integrating Raman Spectroscopy, Machine Learning, and Liquid Biopsy for Personalised Diagnostics

Abstract

This study explores the integration of Raman spectroscopy (RS) with machine learning for the early detection and subtyping of breast cancer using blood plasma samples. We performed detailed spectral analyses, identifying significant spectral patterns associated with cancer biomarkers. Our findings demonstrate the potential for classifying the four major subtypes of breast cancer at stage Ia with an average sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 95%, respectively, and a cross-validated macro-averaged area under the curve (AUC) of 0.98. This research highlights efforts to integrate vibrational spectroscopy with machine learning, enhancing cancer diagnostics through a non-invasive, personalised approach for early detection and monitoring disease progression. This study is the first of its kind to utilise RS and machine learning to classify the four major breast cancer subtypes at stage Ia.