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Optical molecular imaging and its emerging role in colorectal cancer
1Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. The advent of molecular therapies targeted against specific, stereotyped cellular mutations that occur in this disease has ushered in new hope for treatment options. However, key questions regarding optimal dosing schedules, dosing duration, and patient selection remain unanswered. In this review, we describe how recent advances in molecular imaging, specifically optical molecular imaging with fluorescent probes, offer potential solutions to these questions. We begin with an overview of optical molecular imaging, including discussions on the various methods of design for fluorescent probes and the clinically relevant imaging systems that have been built to image them. We then focus on the relevance of optical molecular imaging to colorectal cancer. We review the most recent data on how this imaging modality has been applied to the measurement of treatment efficacy for currently available as well as developmental molecularly targeted therapies. We then conclude with a discussion on how this imaging approach has already begun to be translated clinically for human use.
Insights
Optical molecular imaging offers new ways to personalize colorectal cancer treatment. This technology helps determine optimal dosing and patient selection for targeted therapies, improving treatment effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer is a significant cause of death in the US.
- Molecular therapies offer new treatment hope but require optimization.
- Unanswered questions remain regarding dosing, duration, and patient selection for targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how optical molecular imaging can address key questions in colorectal cancer treatment.
- To highlight the application of optical molecular imaging in assessing treatment efficacy.
- To discuss the clinical translation of optical molecular imaging for colorectal cancer.
Main Methods:
- Overview of optical molecular imaging principles and fluorescent probe design.
- Description of clinically relevant imaging systems for fluorescent probes.
- Review of recent data on optical molecular imaging for assessing targeted therapy efficacy in colorectal cancer.
Main Results:
- Optical molecular imaging provides potential solutions for optimizing dosing and patient selection.
- This modality aids in measuring treatment efficacy for existing and developmental molecular therapies.
- Clinical translation of optical molecular imaging for colorectal cancer is progressing.
Conclusions:
- Optical molecular imaging is a promising tool for advancing personalized colorectal cancer therapy.
- The technology facilitates precise monitoring of treatment response.
- Further clinical integration of optical molecular imaging is expected to enhance patient outcomes.
