Radiogenomics in renal cell carcinoma

Radiogenomics, a field of radiology investigating the association between the imaging features of a disease and its gene expression pattern, has expanded considerably in the last few years. Recent advances in whole-genome sequencing of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and the identification of mutations with prognostic significance have led to increased interest in the relationship between imaging and genomic data. ccRCC is particularly suitable for radiogenomic analysis as the relative paucity of mutated genes allows for more straightforward genomic-imaging associations. The ultimate aim of radiogenomics of ccRCC is to retrieve additional data for accurate diagnosis, prognostic stratification, and optimization of therapy. In this review article, we will present the state-of-the-art of radiogenomics of ccRCC, and after briefly reviewing updates in genomics, we will discuss imaging-genomic associations for diagnosis and staging, prognosis, and for assessment of optimal therapy in ccRCC.