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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
MR Molecular Imaging of Prostate Cancer with a Small Molecular CLT1 Peptide Targeted Contrast Agent
Published on: September 3, 2013
Molecular imaging of tumor blood vessels in prostate cancer
Derya Tilki1, Michael Seitz, Bernhard B Singer
1Department of Urology, University Hospital Grosshadern - Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, D-81377 München, Germany. Derya.Tilki@med.uni-muenchen.de
Abstract:
In the past three decades many efforts have been undertaken to understand the mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis. The introduction of anti-angiogenic drugs in tumor therapy during the last few years necessitates the establishment of new techniques enabling molecular imaging of tumor vascular remodelling. The determination of tumor size as commonly used is not appropriate since the extended necrosis under anti-angiogenic therapy does not necessarily result in the reduction of tumor diameter. The basis for the molecular imaging of tumor blood vessels is the remodelling of the tumor vessels under anti-angiogenic therapy which obviously occurs at an early stage and seems to be a convincing parameter. Beside the enormous progress in this field during the last few years the resolution is still not high enough to evaluate the remodelling of the micro tumor vessels. New imaging approaches combining specific molecular markers for tumor vessels with the different imaging techniques are needed to overcome this issue as exemplarily discussed for prostate cancer in this review. Molecular contrast agents targeting the vasculature will allow clinicians the visualization of vascular remodelling processes taking place under anti-angiogenic therapy and improve tumor diagnosis and follow-up.
Insights
New molecular imaging techniques are needed to track tumor blood vessel changes during anti-angiogenic therapy. Current methods lack resolution for microvessel remodelling, impacting tumor diagnosis and follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Tumor angiogenesis research has advanced significantly over three decades.
- Anti-angiogenic drugs are increasingly used in cancer therapy.
- Assessing tumor response solely by size is inadequate due to necrosis under therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the need for advanced molecular imaging techniques for tumor vascular remodelling.
- To discuss the limitations of current imaging resolutions in evaluating microvessel changes.
- To explore new imaging approaches for improved tumor diagnosis and follow-up.
Main Methods:
- Review of current understanding of tumor angiogenesis and anti-angiogenic therapy effects.
- Discussion of limitations in current molecular imaging resolution for microvasculature.
- Exemplary discussion for prostate cancer, focusing on molecular markers and imaging techniques.
Main Results:
- Tumor vascular remodelling occurs early during anti-angiogenic therapy and is a key parameter.
- Current imaging resolution is insufficient to evaluate microvessel remodelling.
- New imaging approaches combining molecular markers are necessary.
Conclusions:
- Molecular imaging targeting tumor vasculature is crucial for visualizing remodelling during anti-angiogenic therapy.
- Advanced techniques are needed to overcome resolution limitations in microvessel evaluation.
- Improved imaging will enhance tumor diagnosis and patient follow-up.
