Decoding genes: Current update on radiogenomics of select abdominal malignancies

Venkata S. Katabathina, Haneen Marji, Lokesh Khanna, Nisha Ramani, Sireesha Yedururi, Anil Dasyam, Christine O. Menias, Srinivasa R. Prasad

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Technologic advances in chromosomal analysis and DNA sequenc-ing have enabled genome-wide analysis of cancer cells, yielding considerable data on the genetic basis of malignancies. Evolving knowledge of tumor genetics and oncologic pathways has led to a better understanding of histopathologic features, tumor classifica-tion, tumor biologic characteristics, and imaging findings and dis-covery of targeted therapeutic agents. Radiogenomics is a rapidly evolving field of imaging research aimed at correlating imaging features with gene mutations and gene expression patterns, and it may provide surrogate imaging biomarkers that may supplant genetic tests and be used to predict treatment response and prognosis and guide personalized treatment options. Multidetector CT, multiparametric MRI, and PET with use of multiple radiotracers are some of the imaging techniques commonly used to assess radi-ogenomic associations. Select abdominal malignancies demonstrate characteristic imaging features that correspond to gene mutations. Recent advances have enabled us to understand the genetics of steatotic and nonsteatotic hepatocellular adenomas, a plethora of morphologic-molecular subtypes of hepatic malignancies, a variety of clear cell and non–clear cell renal cell carcinomas, a myriad of hereditary and sporadic exocrine and neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas, and the development of targeted therapeutic agents for gastrointestinal stromal tumors based on characteristic KIT gene mutations. Mutations associated with aggressive phenotypes of these malignancies can sometimes be predicted on the basis of their imaging characteristics. Radiologists should be familiar with the genetics and pathogenesis of common cancers that have associated imaging biomarkers, which can help them be integral members of the cancer management team and guide clinicians and pathologists.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1600-1626
Number of pages27
JournalRadiographics
Volume40
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2020

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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