Scoping Review of Targeted Ultrasound Contrast Agents in the Detection of Angiogenesis

Abstract

A systematic search was conducted to categorize targeted ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) used in cancer-related angiogenesis detection. We identified 15 unique contrast agents from 2008 to March 2018. Most primary research articles studied UCAs targeted to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor or α v β 3 -integrin. Breast cancer and colon cancer are the most common neoplastic processes in which these agents were studied. BR55 (Bracco Research SA, Geneva, Switzerland), a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-targeting UCA, is the first targeted UCA that has completed phase 0 trials. Our review identifies a gap in the literature regarding the application of targeted UCAs in cancer models beyond breast and colon cancers and identifies other promising UCAs.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound enhances angiogenesis in rabbit capsule tissue that acts as a novel vascular bed in vivo

“…The CEUS is a common method for the detection of angiogenesis, and targeted ultrasound contrast agents can produce stronger signals associated with angiogenesis. 27 The PAI technique is based on a combination of laser and ultrasound, which is particularly suitable for visualization of microvasculature due to high optical absorption of hemoglobin; it has proven valuable for monitoring neovascularization in tissue engineering. 28 The PAM is a new method for in vivo imaging of the microvasculature using high contrast and deep penetration, and has great potential for biomedical research.…”

Scoping Review of Targeted Ultrasound Contrast Agents in the Detection of Myocardial Ischemia

“…Novel contrast agents for these markers can enable visualization of disease at the molecular level and provide invaluable insight on early diagnosis of malignancy. 11 Through the iterative process of conducting a scoping review, we have identified other novel applications of ultrasound microbubbles outside the realm of diagnostics. Ultrasound microbubbles can be used therapeutically in drug delivery and treatment.…”

Recent trends of contrast agents in ultrasound imaging: a review of the classifications and applications

“…Angiogenesis plays a vital role in assessing atheroma plaque progression deposited between the vascular walls; there is also a correlation between atherosclerosis and angiogenesis. 79 In this regard, several markers activated on endothelial cells, including integrin (a v b 3 ) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFR-2) conjugated with MBs as contrast-enhanced ultrasound agents, have been developed. It has been shown that the mean pixel intensity (MPI) of VEFR-2@ MBs as CEUS is higher than targeted a v b 3 in the detection of angiogenesis.…”

“…Angiogenesis plays a vital role in assessing atheroma plaque progression deposited between the vascular walls; there is also a correlation between atherosclerosis and angiogenesis. 79…”