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Radiogenomic profiling to determine BRCA alteration status-a systematic review and meta-analysis

McAuliffe D, Davey MG, Kerin MJ

The British journal of radiology, 2025

2,835 participants

Abstract

Objectives: Approximately 10% of breast and 20% of ovarian cancers are hereditary in nature. The most commonly implicated genes are the BRCA genes, and the current gold standard for testing is by direct DNA sequencing. This process is expensive, time-consuming, and has a turnaround time of several weeks. Radiogenomics involves extracting quantitative data from medical imaging and using mathematical models to predict the underlying genetic makeup of tissues.

Aim: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the accuracy of radiogenomics in determining BRCA alteration status.

Methods: A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Diagnostic test accuracy analyses (i.e. pooled sensitivity and specificity) were performed. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan V5.4.

Results: Thirteen studies compromising 2835 patients were included. Of these, 857 were BRCA alteration carriers. The mean age of patients was 46 years. Radiogenomic methods correctly identified BRCA alteration with a strong diagnostic test accuracy (pooled sensitivity: 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79-0.84, pooled specificity: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.78-0.83).

Conclusions: Radiogenomics may be an accurate method to predict BRCA alterations. However, these findings should be validated in larger, prospective studies to determine their utility in clinical practice. Until further refinement of these methods, DNA sequencing should remain the gold standard.

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How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 2,835 participants or records.

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