Radiomics and radiogenomics in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Potential contribution to patient management and challenges

Abstract

The application of imaging biomarkers in oncology is still in its infancy, but with the expansion of radiomics and radiogenomics a revolution is expected in this field. This may be of special interest in head and neck cancer, since it can promote precision medicine and personalization of treatment by overcoming several intrinsic obstacles in this pathology. Our goal is to provide the medical oncologist with the basis to approach these disciplines and appreciate their main uses in clinical research and clinical practice in the medium term. Aligned with this objective we analyzed the most relevant studies in the field, also highlighting novel opportunities and current challenges.

Keywords: Head and neck cancer; Imaging biomarkers; Machine learning; Molecular subtypes; Prognostic biomarkers; Radiomics.