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This study aims to explore the relationship between radiological imaging and genomic characteristics in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), focusing on the expression of adipose differentiation-related protein (ADFP) detected through computed tomography (CT). The goal is to establish a radiogenomic lipid profile and understand its association with tumor characteristics. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) were utilized to correlate imaging features with adipose differentiation-related protein (ADFP) expression in ccRCC. CT scans assessed various tumor features, including size, composition, margin, necrosis, and growth pattern, alongside measurements of tumoral Hounsfield units (HU) and abdominal adipose tissue compartments. Statistical analyses compared demographics, clinical-pathological features, adipose tissue quantification, and tumoral HU between groups. Among 197 patients, 22.8% exhibited ADFP expression significantly associated with hydronephrosis. Low-grade ccRCC patients expressing ADFP had higher quantities of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue and lower tumoral HU values compared to their high-grade counterparts. Similar trends were observed in low-grade ccRCC patients without ADFP expression. ADFP expression in ccRCC correlates with specific imaging features such as hydronephrosis and altered adipose tissue distribution. Low-grade ccRCC patients with ADFP expression display a distinct lipid metabolic profile, emphasizing the relationship between radiological features, genomic expression, and tumor metabolism. These findings suggest potential for personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting tumor lipid metabolism.
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PURPOSE: We aim to compare the performance of three different radiomics models (logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM)) and clinical nomograms (Briganti, MSKCC, Yale, and Roach) for predicting lymph node involvement (LNI) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study includes 95 patients who underwent mp-MRI and radical prostatectomy for PCa with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Imaging data (intensity in T2, DWI, ADC, and PIRADS), clinical data (age and pre-MRI PSA), histological data (Gleason score, TNM staging, histological type, capsule invasion, seminal vesicle invasion, and neurovascular bundle involvement), and clinical nomograms (Yale, Roach, MSKCC, and Briganti) were collected for each patient. Manual segmentation of the index lesions was performed for each patient using an open-source program (3D SLICER). Radiomic features were extracted for each segmentation using the Pyradiomics library for each sequence (T2, DWI, and ADC). The features were then selected and used to train and test three different radiomics models (LR, RF, and SVM) independently using ChatGPT software (v 4o). The coefficient value of each feature was calculated (significant value for coefficient ≥ ±0.5). The predictive performance of the radiomics models and clinical nomograms was assessed using accuracy and area under the curve (AUC) (significant value for p ≤ 0.05). Thus, the diagnostic accuracy between the radiomics and clinical models were compared. RESULTS: This study identified 343 features per patient (330 radiomics features and 13 clinical features). The most significant features were T2_nodulofirstordervariance and T2_nodulofirstorderkurtosis. The highest predictive performance was achieved by the RF model with DWI (accuracy 86%, AUC 0.89) and ADC (accuracy 89%, AUC 0.67). Clinical nomograms demonstrated satisfactory but lower predictive performance compared to the RF model in the DWI sequences. CONCLUSIONS: Among the prediction models developed using integrated data (radiomics and semantics), RF shows slightly higher diagnostic accuracy in terms of AUC compared to clinical nomograms in PCa lymph node involvement prediction.
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Background: Low back pain (LBP) is the most frequent indication to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations of the lumbosacral spine. The individual role of soft tissues, including muscles, on LBP is not fully understood and the contribution of each MRI-derived parameter of soft tissues status on the intensity of LBP has not been investigated in detail. Methods: The study design was observational retrospective, single center carried out at a University Hospital. Images were acquired using a using a 1.5 Tesla scanner. Patients completed a symptom questionnaire and rated their pain intensity using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The VAS scores ââwere categorized as mild, moderate, and severe using cutoff values of 3.8 and 5.7, based on the literature. Biometric data, including weight and height, were also recorded to calculate the body mass index (BMI). The ratios between intramuscular fat infiltration and net muscle area were also calculated. Patient sample included 94 patients with LBP underwent MRI of the lumbosacral spine. Results: The stepwise analysis revealed that increasing psoas net area was associated with lower VAS levels (odds ratio [OR]: 0.94: 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90-0.98; p=.005), and an increase of one square centimeter of total psoas area resulted in a greater probability of reporting a mild (+1.21%; 95% CI: 0.37, 2.05%) or a moderate VAS (+0.40%; 95% CI: -0.02, 0.82%), Furthermore, a more severe VAS was associated with a higher BMI (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.00-1.27). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a relationship between LBP and MRI parameters of paravertebral and psoas muscles status. The psoas muscle is extremely important for spine stabilization and is linked to clinical symptoms of patients affected by LBP. These findings could contribute to future studies and improve treatment options in patients with LBP, possibly reducing the impact on disability, quality of life and socioeconomical burden.
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Kidney stones represent a serious medical problem, resulting from several factors such as diet, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Visceral adipose tissue has been shown in recent research to play a significant role in kidney stone formation, making it a more precise indicator than traditional obesity indicators such as body mass index. The main aim of this review is to summarize studies on visceral obesity as a predictive marker for nephrolithiasis and to highlight new mechanistic pathways such as adipokine-mediated inflammation and its impact on kidney stone formation. This review emphasizes the importance of considering visceral fat in the prevention and management of kidney stones, suggesting that targeted strategies to reduce visceral fat could decrease the incidence of kidney stones and their management costs. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and propose preventive strategies based on visceral adiposity assessments.
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Background/Objectives: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is essential in diagnosing neurological conditions, offering detailed insights into brain pathology. Uremic encephalopathy (UE) is a severe neurological disorder resulting from renal failure, characterized by cognitive impairments and brain abnormalities due to the accumulation of uremic toxins (UTs). Despite extensive research on UTs, there is a significant gap in the detailed characterization of MRI findings in UE patients. This study aims to bridge this gap by conducting a comprehensive literature review of cerebral MRI findings in UE. We hypothesize that specific MRI patterns correlate with the severity and clinical manifestations of UE, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy and improving patient outcomes. Methods: A literature review was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The search terms included "uremic encephalopathy MRI", "uremia and kidney failure MRI", and "toxic and metabolic or acquired encephalopathies MRI". The inclusion criteria were original articles on UE and MRI findings published in English. Results: Common MRI sequences include T1-weighted, T2-weighted, FLAIR, and DWI. Frequent MRI findings in UE are cytotoxic and vasogenic brain edema in regions such as the basal ganglia and periventricular white matter. Patterns like the "lentiform fork sign" and basal ganglia involvement are key indicators of UE. Conclusions: MRI plays a crucial role in diagnosing UE by identifying characteristic brain edema and specific patterns. A comprehensive diagnostic approach, incorporating clinical, laboratory, and imaging data, is essential for accurate diagnosis and management. The study calls for larger well-designed cohorts with long-term follow-up to improve the understanding and treatment of UE.
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Background/Objectives: The aim of our study is to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the rendezvous technique for the treatment of iatrogenic ureteral injuries. Methods: From 2014 to 2019, 29 patients treated with the rendezvous technique for mono- or bilateral iatrogenic ureteral injuries were enrolled in this retrospective study. All the leaks were previously assessed by CT-urography and antegrade pyelography. Ureteral continuity was restored by performing the rendezvous technique, combining antegrade trans-nephrostomic access and a retrograde trans-cystostomic approach. A double J stent was antegradely inserted, and a nephrostomy tube was kept in place at the end of the procedure. A post-procedure CT-urography and a 30-day nephrostogram follow-up were performed. In the absence of a contrast leak, the nephrostomy tube was removed. Patient follow-up was set with CT-urography at 3, 6, and 12 months and stent substitution every 4 months. The CT-urography was performed to confirm the restored integrity of the ureter before stent removal. Results: The rendezvous technique was successful in all cases with the resolution of the ureteral leak. No major complications were observed. In all the patients, the nephrostomy tube was removed after 30 days. After performing CT-urography, the stent was removed permanently after 12 months. Only three cases showed local post-treatment stenosis treated with surgical ureteral reimplantation. Conclusions: The rendezvous technique is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure that can be used to restore the continuity of the ureter, avoiding open surgery and providing valuable support for the management of complications after gynecological surgery.
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Recent advancements in understanding clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) have underscored the critical role of the BAP1 gene in its pathogenesis and prognosis. While the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) mutation has been extensively studied, emerging evidence suggests that mutations in BAP1 and other genes significantly impact patient outcomes. Radiogenomics with and without texture analysis based on CT imaging holds promise in predicting BAP1 mutation status and overall survival outcomes. However, prospective studies with larger cohorts and standardized imaging protocols are needed to validate these findings and translate them into clinical practice effectively, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies in ccRCC. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the role of BAP1 mutation in ccRCC pathogenesis and prognosis, as well as the potential of radiogenomics in predicting mutation status and clinical outcomes.
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OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the use of Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP) images derived from contrast-enhanced 3D-T1-weighted volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) would allow more sensitive detection of small (≤5 mm) brain metastases (BM) compared with source as well as 2D-T1-weighted spin-echo (SE) images. METHODS: We performed a single center retrospective study on subjects with BM who underwent 1.5 tesla brain magnetic resonance imaging. Two readers counted the number of small BM for each of the seven sets of contrast-enhanced images created: axial 2D-T1-weighted SE, 3D-T1-weighted VIBE, 2.5 mm-thick-MIP T1-weighted VIBE, and 5 mm-thick-MIP T1-weighted VIBE; sagittal 3D-T1-weighted VIBE, 2.5 mm-thick-MIP T1-weighted VIBE, and 5 mm-thick-MIP T1-weighted VIBE. Total number of lesions detected on each image type was compared. Sensitivity, the average rates of false negatives and false positives, and the mean discrepancy were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 403 small BM were identified in 49 patients. Significant differences were found: in the number of true positives and false negatives between the axial 2D-T1-weighted SE sequence and all other imaging techniques; in the number of false positives between the axial 2D-T1-weighted SE and the axial 3D-T1-weighted VIBE sequences. The two image types that combined offered the highest sensitivity were 2D-T1-weighted SE and axial 2.5 mm-thick-MIP T1-weighted VIBE. The axial 2D-T1-weighted SE sequence differed significantly in sensitivity from all other sequences. CONCLUSION: MIP images did not show a significant difference in sensitivity for the detection of small BM compared with native images.
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Background and Objective: Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine are fundamental non-invasive tools to investigate the status of the bone and soft tissue in vivo. A novel and promising approach is to investigate the quality and quantity of paraspinal muscles even beyond the clinical question. The aim of the present review is to summarize current evidence on CT and MRI about the relationship between paraspinal muscular status and bone health in osteoporosis (OP) and fracture risk. Methods: Literature research was carried out on September 2023 using PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. Key Content and Findings: Research investigating the intricate interplay between musculature and bone health reveals that degenerating paraspinal muscles, characterized by shrinking and fatty infiltration, are associated with lower bone mineral density (BMD) and the development of OP. Additionally, research indicates that weaker paraspinal muscles are linked to a higher risk of fractures, including those at the spine. Conclusions: The findings suggest that paraspinal muscle health may be a significant factor in identifying individuals at risk for OP and fractures. Further investigation is needed to explore the potential of paraspinal muscles in preventing these conditions.
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Neuroeconomics merges neuroscience, economics, and psychology to investigate the neural basis of decision making. Decision making involves assessing outcomes with subjective value, shaped by emotions and experiences, which are crucial in economic decisions. Functional MRI (fMRI) reveals key areas of the brain, including the ventro-medial prefrontal cortex, that are involved in subjective value representation. Collaborative interdisciplinary efforts are essential for advancing the field of neuroeconomics, with implications for clinical interventions and policy design. This review explores subjective value in neuroeconomics, highlighting brain regions identified through fMRI studies.
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RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Edema in the subcutaneous soft tissue of the lumbar spine is a frequent incidental finding in spinal magnetic resonance imaging, however, its exact explanation is yet to be determined. The aim of this paper is to provide a systematic literature review on posterior lumbar subcutaneous edema (LSE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present systematic literature search was carried out in October 2023 using electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane library, and Scopus. RESULTS: The current evidence suggests that lumbar edema is correlated with clinical data such as weight and age, and potentially female sex. Moreover, LSE is related to several specific conditions, including both systemic and spinal disorders, such as heart or kidney disorders, as well as low back pain and degenerative and/or inflammatory diseases. CONCLUSION: It is important to be aware that there is an association between LSE and a variety systemic and spinal disorders.
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Radiogenomics, a burgeoning field in biomedical research, explores the correlation between imaging features and genomic data, aiming to link macroscopic manifestations with molecular characteristics. In this review, we examine existing radiogenomics literature in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the predominant renal cancer, and von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene mutation, the most frequent genetic mutation in ccRCC. A thorough examination of the literature was conducted through searches on the PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria encompassed articles published in English between 2014 and 2022, resulting in 10 articles meeting the criteria out of 39 initially retrieved articles. Most of these studies applied computed tomography (CT) images obtained from open source and institutional databases. This literature review investigates the role of radiogenomics, with and without texture analysis, in predicting VHL gene mutation in ccRCC patients. Radiogenomics leverages imaging modalities such as CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to analyze macroscopic features and establish connections with molecular elements, providing insights into tumor heterogeneity and biological behavior. The investigations explored diverse mutations, with a specific focus on VHL mutation, and applied CT imaging features for radiogenomic analysis. Moreover, radiomics and machine learning techniques were employed to predict VHL gene mutations based on CT features, demonstrating promising results. Additional studies delved into the relationship between VHL mutation and body composition, revealing significant associations with adipose tissue distribution. The review concludes by highlighting the potential role of radiogenomics in guiding targeted and selective therapies.
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RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Radiogenomics of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has been developed thanks to the availability of genomic data, both gene expressions and gene mutations, obtained through the sequencing of ccRCC genome. These data are collected in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network-work. Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 12 (ADAM12) gene belongs to the family of genes coding for multidomain and multifunctional type I transmembrane proteins ADAMs. These proteins are fundamental for regulating cell adhesion and mediating proteolysis of a series of cell surface receptors and signal molecules extracellular domains. Recently, a correlation was detected between ADAM12 expression in ccRCC and tumor aggressiveness in terms of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, tumor progression, metastases, and poor prognosis, suggesting ADAM12 as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target in ccRCC. The computed tomography (CT) imaging phenotype of ADAM12 expression in ccRCC has never been studied. The aim of this study is to investigate the CT imaging phenotype of ADAM12 expression in ccRCC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we enrolled 202 ccRCC patients divided into two groups: ccRCC patients with ADAM12 expression (n = 35) and ccRCC patients without ADAM12 expression (n = 167). Different imaging features were evaluated on CT scan at first diagnosis. The statistical significance threshold was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A statistically significant correlation was found with larger primary tumor size (p = 0.020), ill-defined tumor margins (p = 0.044), tumor necrosis (p = 0.011), and collecting system invasion (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates CT imaging features associated to ADAM12 expression in ccRCC. These results could help delve into ADAM12 gene status through CT approach and to further investigate towards the development of targeted therapies in ccRCC.
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Breast cancer, a major contributor to female mortality globally, presents challenges in detection, prompting exploration beyond digital mammography. Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM), integrating morphological and functional information, emerges as a promising alternative, offering advantages in cost-effectiveness and reduced anxiety compared to MRI. This study investigates CEM's correlation with breast cancer prognostic factors, encompassing histology, grade, and molecular markers. In a retrospective analysis involving 114 women, CEM revealed diverse lesion characteristics. Statistical analyses identified correlations between specific CEM features, such as spiculated margins and irregular shape, and prognostic factors like tumor grade and molecular markers. Notably, spiculated margins predicted lower grade and HER2 status, while irregular shape correlated with PgR and Ki-67 status. The study emphasizes CEM's potential in predicting breast cancer prognosis, shedding light on tumor behavior. Despite the limitations, including sample size and single-observer analysis, the findings advocate for CEM's role in stratifying breast cancers based on biological characteristics. CEM features, particularly spiculated margins, irregular shape, and enhancement dynamics, may serve as valuable indicators for personalized treatment decisions. Further research is crucial to validate these correlations and enhance CEM's clinical utility in breast cancer assessment.
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Brain spaces around (perivascular spaces) and alongside (paravascular or Virchow-Robin spaces) vessels have gained significant attention in recent years due to the advancements of in vivo imaging tools and to their crucial role in maintaining brain health, contributing to the anatomic foundation of the glymphatic system. In fact, it is widely accepted that peri- and para-vascular spaces function as waste clearance pathways for the brain for materials such as ß-amyloid by allowing exchange between cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid. Visible brain spaces on magnetic resonance imaging are often a normal finding, but they have also been associated with a wide range of neurological and systemic conditions, suggesting their potential as early indicators of intracranial pressure and neurofluid imbalance. Nonetheless, several aspects of these spaces are still controversial. This article offers an overview of the current knowledge and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of peri- and para-vascular spaces, which can help in daily clinical practice image description and interpretation. This paper is organized into different sections, including the microscopic anatomy of peri- and para-vascular spaces, their associations with pathological and physiological events, and their differential diagnosis.
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We evaluated the most recent research from 2000 to 2023 in order to deeply investigate the applications of PCa IRE, first exploring its usage with primary intent and then salvage intent. Finally, we discuss the differences with other focal PCa treatments. In the case of primary-intent IRE, the in-field recurrence is quite low (ranges from 0% to 33%). Urinary continence after the treatment remains high (>86%). Due to several different patients in the studies, the preserved potency varied quite a lot (59-100%). Regarding complications, the highest occurrence rates are for those of Grades I and II (20-77% and 0-29%, respectively). Grade III complications represent less than 7%. Regarding the specific oncological outcomes, both PCa-specific survival and overall survival are 100%. Metastasis-free survival is 99.6%. In a long-term study, the Kaplan-Meier FFS rates reported are 91% at 3 years, 84% at 5 years, and 69% at 8 years. In the single study with salvage-intent IRE, the in-field recurrence was 7%. Urinary continence was still high (93%), but preserved potency was significantly lower than primary-intent IRE patients (23%). In addition, Grade III complications were slightly higher (10.8%). In conclusion, in males with localized low-intermediate-risk prostate cancer, IRE had an excellent safety profile and might have positive results for sexual and urinary function.
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BACKGROUND: Focal therapy is a promising, minimally invasive method for the treatment of patients with localized prostate cancer. According to the existing literature, there is growing evidence for positive functional outcomes and oncological effectiveness. The aim of this review is to evaluate the technical efficacy of three minimally invasive techniques (cryoablation, electroporation, and microwave ablation) and their impact on quality of life in patients with prostate cancer. METHODS: Studies between January 2020 and July 2023 were selected using PubMed, Embase, and The Cochrane Library and analyzed following PRISMA guidelines; they have not been registered. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies investigating three different sources of energy to deliver focal therapy were found. Thirteen studies evaluated the performance of the cryoablation therapy, seven studies of the irreversible electroporation, and three studies of microwave ablation option. The majority of studies were retrospective cohort studies. Cryoablation showed excellent oncological outcomes for low-grade prostate cancer, whether performed on the lesion, on the hemigland, or on the entire gland, with the best results obtained for patients with intermediate risk. Irreversible electroporation showed promising oncological outcomes with no significant changes in functional outcomes. Microwave ablation showed great early functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The oncological effectiveness of minimally invasive treatment in comparison to standard of care is still under investigation, despite encouraging results in terms of functional outcomes improvement and adverse events reduction. More comprehensive research is needed to fully understand the function of minimally invasive treatment in patients with localized PCa.
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Background: CEM-guided breast biopsy is an advanced diagnostic procedure that takes advantage of the ability of CEM to enhance suspicious breast lesions. The aim pf this paper is to describe a single-center retrospective experience on CEM-guided breast biopsy in terms of procedural features and histological outcomes. Methods: 69 patients underwent the procedure. Patient age, breast density, presentation, dimensions, and lesion target enhancement were recorded. All the biopsy procedures were performed using a 7- or 10-gauge (G) vacuum-assisted biopsy needle. The procedural approach (horizontal or vertical) and the decubitus of the patient (lateral or in a sitting position) were noted. Results: A total of 69 patients underwent a CEM-guided biopsy. Suspicious lesions presented as mass enhancement in 35% of cases and non-mass enhancement in 65% of cases. The median size of the target lesions was 20 mm. The median procedural time for each biopsy was 10 ± 4 min. The patients were placed in a lateral decubitus position in 52% of cases and seated in 48% of cases. The most common approach was horizontal (57%). The mean AGD was 14.8 mGy. At histology, cancer detection rate was 28% (20/71). Conclusions: CEM-guided biopsy was feasible, with high procedure success rates and high tolerance by the patients.
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Obesity is an established risk factor for cancer. However, conventional measures like body mass index lack precision in assessing specific tissue quantities, particularly of the two primary abdominal fat compartments, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Computed tomography (CT) stands as the gold standard for precisely quantifying diverse tissue types. VAT, distinguished by heightened hormonal and metabolic activity, plays a pivotal role in obesity-related tumor development. Excessive VAT is linked to aberrant secretion of adipokines, proinflammatory cytokines, and growth factors, fostering the carcinogenesis of obesity-related tumors. Accurate quantification of abdominal fat compartments is crucial for understanding VAT as an oncological risk factor. The purpose of the present research is to elucidate the role of CT, performed for staging purposes, in assessing VAT (quantity and distribution) as a critical factor in the oncogenesis of obesity-related tumors. In the field of precision medicine, this work takes on considerable importance, as quantifying VAT in oncological patients becomes fundamental in understanding the influence of VAT on cancer development-the potential "phenotypic expression" of excessive VAT accumulation. Previous studies analyzed in this research showed that VAT is a risk factor for clear cell renal cell carcinoma, non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, and hepatocarcinoma recurrence. Further studies will need to quantify VAT in other oncological diseases with specific mutations or gene expressions, in order to investigate the relationship of VAT with tumor genomics.