Advance of Molecular Imaging Technology and Targeted Imaging Agent in Imaging and Therapy

Abstract

Molecular imaging is an emerging field that integrates advanced imaging technology with cellular and molecular biology. It can realize noninvasive and real time visualization, measurement of physiological or pathological process in the living organism at the cellular and molecular level, providing an effective method of information acquiring for diagnosis, therapy, and drug development and evaluating treatment of efficacy. Molecular imaging requires high resolution and high sensitive instruments and specific imaging agents that link the imaging signal with molecular event. Recently, the application of new emerging chemical technology and nanotechnology has stimulated the development of imaging agents. Nanoparticles modified with small molecule, peptide, antibody, and aptamer have been extensively applied for preclinical studies. Therapeutic drug or gene is incorporated into nanoparticles to construct multifunctional imaging agents which allow for theranostic applications. In this review, we will discuss the characteristics of molecular imaging, the novel imaging agent including targeted imaging agent and multifunctional imaging agent, as well as cite some examples of their application in molecular imaging and therapy.

Tracking stem cells with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: perspectives and considerations

“…The most commonly used methods are summarized in Table 2 and have been thoroughly reviewed in studies by Kircher et al, 9 Hong et al, 21 Naumova et al, 22 James and Gambhir, 34 Chen et al, 35 and Zhang et al 36 For preclinical or clinical studies, it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each molecular imaging modality. The challenge is to develop effective imaging strategies with a combination of imaging modalities, labeling reporter systems, and probes.…”

Different strategies of gene delivery for treatment of cancer and other disorders

“…Therapeutic genes could be incorporated into nanoparticles to construct multi-functional imaging agents which allow for therapeutic applications. [59] Sometimes, the combination of gene therapy with other modalities could increase its potency in vivo. For example, gene therapy is a suitable approach to treat glioblastoma (GBM), in combination with surgery and chemo-radiotherapy.…”

Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Nanosolutions for a Big Challenge

“…Advances in the synthetic biology field have contributed to develop novel and specific contrast agents with potential molecular imaging applications 21, 22. Briefly, molecular imaging uses molecular probes to detect key biological processes by coupling signaling or contrast agents with ligands that target overexpressed or upregulated cellular receptors ( Figure 1 ).…”

“…Small molecules : Small molecule‐based ligands (<500 Da) are an attractive class of targeting agents due to their vast diversity in structure and properties, and relative low production costs 21, 24. However, only a few small molecules have been described as potential targeting agents for molecular imaging of tumors.…”

“…However, only a few small molecules have been described as potential targeting agents for molecular imaging of tumors. The 18 F‐FDG glucose analogue is the most widely used small molecule with clinical application in cancer imaging 21. Riboflavin and folate are examples of small molecules currently under investigation 24.…”