Abstract:
Despite significant progress in the prevention, screening, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy
of breast cancer (BC), it remains a highly prevalent and life-threatening disease affecting millions
worldwide. Molecular subtyping of BC is crucial for predictive and prognostic purposes due to
the diverse clinical behaviors observed across various types. The molecular heterogeneity of BC
poses uncertainties in its impact on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Numerous studies have
highlighted genetic and environmental differences between patients from different geographic
regions, emphasizing the need for localized research. International studies have revealed that
patients with African heritage are often diagnosed at a more advanced stage and exhibit poorer
responses to treatment and lower survival rates. Despite these global findings, there is a dearth of
in-depth studies focusing on communities in the African region. Early diagnosis and timely treatment
are paramount to improving survival rates. In this context, radiogenomics emerges as a promising
field within precision medicine. By associating genetic patterns with image attributes or features,
radiogenomics has the potential to significantly improve early detection, prognosis, and diagnosis.
It can provide valuable insights into potential treatment options and predict the likelihood of survival,
progression, and relapse. Radiogenomics allows for visual features and genetic marker linkage that
promises to eliminate the need for biopsy and sequencing. The application of radiogenomics not
only contributes to advancing precision oncology and individualized patient treatment but also
streamlines clinical workflows. This review aims to delve into the theoretical underpinnings of radiogenomics and explore its practical applications in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of
BC and to put radiogenomics on a path towards fully integrated diagnostics.
