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Molecular imaging of tumor invasion and metastases: the role of MRI
Author(s) -
McCann Thomas E.,
Kosaka Nobuyuki,
Turkbey Baris,
Mitsunaga Makoto,
Choyke Peter L.,
Kobayashi Hisataka
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
nmr in biomedicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.278
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1099-1492
pISSN - 0952-3480
DOI - 10.1002/nbm.1590
Subject(s) - molecular imaging , positron emission tomography , metastasis , matrix metalloproteinase , magnetic resonance imaging , preclinical imaging , in vivo , pathology , diffusion mri , medicine , cancer , cancer research , radiology , biology , microbiology and biotechnology
The processes of tumor invasion and metastasis have been well characterized at the molecular level, and numerous biomarkers of tumor aggressiveness have been discovered. Molecular imaging offers the opportunity to depict specific cell markers relevant to tumor aggressiveness. Here, we describe the role of MRI in identifying tumor invasiveness and metastasis with reference to other methods. Target‐specific molecular imaging probes for tumor invasiveness have been developed for positron emission tomography and optical imaging, but progress in MRI has been slower. For example, proteases associated with tumor invasion, such as specific matrix metalloproteinases or cathepsins, can be targeted in vivo using optical and positron emission tomography methods, but have not yet been successful with MRI. In addition, we describe the use of MRI to detect metastases. Novel MR contrast agents based on iron oxide and dendrimer nanomaterials allow for better characterization of tumor metastases. Organ‐specific MR contrast agents are used to identify metastatic disease in the liver. Finally, diffusion‐weighted whole‐body MRI is discussed as an alternative offered by MRI that does not require the use of molecular probes to screen distant metastases. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.