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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Longitudinal Morphological and Physiological Monitoring of Three-dimensional Tumor Spheroids Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Published on: February 9, 2019
Optical imaging in oncology
1Department of Urologic Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA. Hyung.kim@roswellpark.org
Abstract:
Optical imaging is useful during preclinical drug development for monitoring biomarkers and molecular events in living tissue. In animal models, the technology has been used to monitor tumor growth and metastasis, determine biological effects of novel drugs, monitor tumor enzyme activity, and examine host-tumor interactions. Clinical application of optical imaging remains in the developmental stages. Fluorescence signals have a limited dept of penetration through tissue. Therefore, completely noninvasive application of optical imaging in humans is currently not possible. However, laparoscopy and endoscopy provide opportunities to apply optical imaging in patients.
Insights
Optical imaging aids preclinical drug development by tracking biomarkers and molecular events in living tissues. Clinical use is limited by fluorescence penetration depth, but endoscopic methods offer patient applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical imaging
- Preclinical research
- Drug development
Background:
- Optical imaging is a valuable tool in preclinical drug development.
- It enables monitoring of biomarkers, molecular events, tumor growth, metastasis, and host-tumor interactions in vivo.
- Current clinical applications are limited due to shallow tissue penetration of fluorescence signals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the utility of optical imaging in preclinical drug development.
- To discuss the limitations and potential clinical applications of optical imaging.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on optical imaging in preclinical studies.
- Analysis of limitations related to tissue penetration and potential solutions.
Main Results:
- Optical imaging effectively monitors various biological processes in animal models.
- Limited tissue penetration restricts non-invasive clinical use.
- Endoscopic and laparoscopic approaches offer viable clinical applications.
Conclusions:
- Optical imaging is a powerful technique for preclinical drug discovery and development.
- Further research is needed to overcome penetration depth limitations for widespread clinical adoption.
- Minimally invasive techniques like endoscopy present promising avenues for patient-based optical imaging.
