New Molecular and Functional Imaging Techniques

The ultimate goal of nanomedicine relies on monitoring the efficient targeted drug delivery in a noninvasive manner. Novel imaging biomarkers are currently explored in murine cancer models to correctly diagnose cancer and to guide therapy. Hereby, relevant biomolecules like peptides and aptamers as well as sophisticated functionalized nanoparticles can be successfully radiolabeled for nuclear imaging such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Magnetic resonance offers novel diagnostic tools with the use of hyperpolarized [1-13C] pyruvate for prostate cancer as well as with potential applications of smart contrast agents as functional biomarkers. Multimodular imaging probes (e.g., radiolabeled quantum dots for optical imaging and PET) are designed to use complementary imaging modalities to assess biodistribution and gain new insights in disease mechanism, and they can be used for cross-validation. Thus, the described new molecular and functional imaging probes may ultimately help to monitor drug delivery and individual patients’ response to new therapies.