With the development of genome sequencing, the role of molecular targeted therapy in cancer is becoming increasingly important. However, genetic testing remains expensive, invasive, and time-consuming, and thus unavailable for all patients. Radiogenomics aims to correlate imaging characteristics with gene expression patterns, gene mutations, and other genome-related characteristics. Due to the noninvasive nature of medical imaging, the field of radiogenomics is rapidly developing and may serve as a substitute tool for genetic testing. In this article, we briefly summarise the current role of radiogenomics in predicting gene mutations in brain, lung, colorectal, breast, and kidney tumours.
Key Points
• The role of molecular targeted therapy in individual cancer-precision therapy is becoming increasingly important with the development of genetic testing.
• Radiogenomics may provide accurate imaging biomarkers as a substitute for genetic testing.
• While the field of radiogenomics holds great promise, there are still a number of limitations that need to be overcome.