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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

In Vivo, Percutaneous, Needle Based, Optical Coherence Tomography of Renal Masses
Published on: March 30, 2015
Molecular imaging of renal cell carcinoma
Rodolfo Perini1, Daniel Pryma, Chaitanya Divgi
1Division of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19105, USA.
Abstract:
The recent identification of agents that have significantly influenced the therapy of clear cell renal carcinoma and the decreasing size of renal masses, usually detected serendipitously, have led to a resurgence in imaging for this condition. Although structural methods continue to be used routinely for identification of renal masses, functional and molecular techniques are showing considerable promise in their ability to characterize unique features of the renal cancer phenotype. This article discusses the evolving role of molecular imaging in the evaluation of renal cancer, including current and future applications.
Insights
Molecular imaging is becoming crucial for characterizing renal cancer, especially clear cell renal carcinoma. New functional and molecular techniques offer promising insights beyond traditional structural imaging methods for renal masses.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Advances in clear cell renal carcinoma therapy necessitate improved diagnostic tools.
- Increasing detection of small, incidentally found renal masses requires precise characterization.
- Traditional structural imaging methods are standard but have limitations in defining renal cancer phenotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolving role of molecular imaging in renal cancer evaluation.
- To discuss current and future applications of molecular imaging techniques.
- To highlight the potential of functional and molecular methods in characterizing renal cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on molecular imaging in renal cancer.
- Discussion of established and emerging functional imaging modalities.
- Analysis of molecular techniques for assessing renal cancer phenotype.
Main Results:
- Molecular imaging demonstrates significant promise in characterizing unique features of renal cancer.
- Functional and molecular techniques offer complementary information to structural imaging.
- These advanced methods are crucial for personalized therapy selection in renal cell carcinoma.
Conclusions:
- Molecular imaging is increasingly important in the management of renal cancer.
- Future applications hold potential for earlier and more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
- The integration of molecular imaging will enhance the evaluation of renal masses.
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