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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Synthesis of an In vivo MRI-detectable Apoptosis Probe
Published on: July 31, 2012
Apoptosis imaging: anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry
1Department of Radiology/Division of Pediatric Radiology, Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford, CA, USA. blankenb@stanford.edu
Abstract:
There is a rapid expansion in the number of new anti-cancer drugs with remarkably different mechanisms of action that can augment traditional chemotherapy. As these agents are often used in combination with traditional chemotherapy testing the effects of these novel agents has proven difficult requiring large sample sizes to detect relatively small differences in patient survival. Despite the wide variety of mechanisms, most new drugs are thought to ultimately induce apoptosis of tumor cells or their supportive vasculature. Imaging agents that can non-invasively monitor apoptosis in response to these new drugs could therefore help streamline the drug development process. They may also help guide oncologists to identify those patients that could best benefit from a given therapeutic regimen, dose, or duration of drug. In this article we will outline the existing imaging agents and modalities that are currently undergoing clinical testing and those that could be rapidly translated into humans.
Insights
New anti-cancer drugs require novel imaging to monitor treatment effectiveness. Non-invasive apoptosis imaging can streamline drug development and personalize cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The development of novel anti-cancer agents is rapidly expanding, often used alongside traditional chemotherapy.
- Evaluating these new agents is challenging due to large sample size requirements for survival difference detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging non-invasive imaging agents and modalities for monitoring apoptosis in response to novel anti-cancer drugs.
- To highlight the potential of these imaging techniques in accelerating drug development and guiding clinical treatment decisions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing and investigational imaging agents and modalities.
- Focus on techniques capable of non-invasively monitoring apoptosis in tumor cells and vasculature.
Main Results:
- Several imaging agents and modalities are currently in clinical testing for apoptosis detection.
- These techniques show promise for streamlining the evaluation of novel anti-cancer therapies.
Conclusions:
- Non-invasive apoptosis imaging is crucial for efficient development of new anti-cancer drugs.
- Such imaging can personalize cancer treatment by identifying patient subgroups who will benefit most from specific therapies.
