Adaptability, sensitivity, resolution and non-invasiveness are the attributes that have contributed to the longstanding use of light as an investigational tool and form the basis of optical imaging (OI). OI, which encompasses numerous techniques and methods, is rapid (<5 min), inexpensive, noninvasive, nontoxic (no radiation) and has molecular (single-cell) sensitivity, which is equal to that of conventional nuclear imaging and several orders of magnitude greater than MRI. This article provides a comprehensive overview of emerging applications of OI-based techniques for in vivo monitoring of new stem cell-based therapies. Different fluorochromes for cell labeling, labeling methods and OI-based cell-tracking techniques will be reviewed with respect to their technical principles, current applications and aims for clinical translation. Advantages and limitations of these new OI-based cell-tracking techniques will be discussed. Non-invasive mapping of cells labeled with fluorochromes or OI marker genes has the potential to evolve further within the clinical realm.

Acute stenting of the cervical ICA in combination with intracranial thrombectomy was technically feasible and safe in our series. Thrombectomy prior to proximal stenting was associated with shorter reperfusion times and a tendency towards better clinical outcome leading to a good outcome in about 50 % of the patients. Therefore, we recommend this approach in tandem occlusion requiring stent angioplasty.

MR imaging of bone marrow infiltration by hematologic malignancies provides non-invasive assays of bone marrow cellularity and vascularity to supplement the information provided by bone marrow biopsies. This article will review the MR imaging findings of bone marrow infiltration by hematologic malignancies with special focus on treatment effects. MR imaging findings of the bone marrow after radiation therapy and chemotherapy will be described. In addition, changes in bone marrow microcirculation and metabolism after anti-angiogenesis treatment will be reviewed. Finally, new specific imaging techniques for the depiction of regulatory events that control blood vessel growth and cell proliferation will be discussed. Future developments are directed to yield comprehensive information about bone marrow structure, function and microenvironment.

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The FR-targeted USPIO P1133 demonstrates a specific retention in FR-positive breast cancers. Because FR expression correlates with tumor aggressiveness and prognosis, persistent P1133 tumor enhancement may be used as a noninvasive indicator for tumors with poor outcome.