Preclinical molecular imaging of tumor angiogenesis
1Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA.
Abstract:
Angiogenesis, a course that new blood vessels grow from the existing vasculature, plays important roles both physiologically and pathologically. Angiogenesis can be switched on by growth factors secreted by tumor cells, and in turn supplies more oxygen and nutrition to the tumor. More and more preclinical studies and clinical trials have shown that inhibition of angiogenesis is an effective way to inhibit tumor growth, substantiating the development of anti-angiogenesis therapeutics. Imaging technologies accelerate the translation of preclinical research to the clinic. In oncology, various imaging modalities are widely applied to drug development, tumor early detection and therapy response monitoring. So far, several angiogenesis related imaging agents are promising in cancer diagnosis. However, more effective imaging agents with less side-effect still need to be pursued to visualize angiogenesis process non-invasively. The main purpose of this review is to summarize the recent progresses in preclinical molecular imaging of angiogenesis and to discuss the potential of the current preclinical probes specific to various angiogenesis targets including vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors (VEGF/VEGFRs), integrin avb3 and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). It is predictable that related investigations in the field will benefit cancer research and quicken the anti-angiogenic drug development.
Insights
Molecular imaging advances preclinical cancer research by visualizing angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels that feed tumors. New imaging agents targeting factors like VEGF/VEGFRs show promise for anti-angiogenic drug development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Imaging
- Angiogenesis Research
Background:
- Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is crucial for tumor growth, supplying oxygen and nutrients.
- Inhibiting angiogenesis is a validated strategy for anti-cancer therapeutics, supported by preclinical and clinical studies.
- Molecular imaging plays a vital role in oncology drug development, tumor detection, and monitoring treatment response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in preclinical molecular imaging of angiogenesis.
- To discuss the potential of current preclinical probes targeting key angiogenesis markers.
- To highlight the importance of non-invasive imaging for anti-angiogenic drug development.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies on molecular imaging of angiogenesis.
- Analysis of imaging probes targeting specific angiogenesis markers: vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors (VEGF/VEGFRs), integrin αvβ3, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
Main Results:
- Several angiogenesis-related imaging agents show promise for cancer diagnosis and drug development.
- Preclinical molecular imaging facilitates the assessment of anti-angiogenic strategies.
- Targeted imaging probes offer potential for visualizing angiogenesis non-invasively.
Conclusions:
- Molecular imaging is essential for advancing preclinical research in angiogenesis.
- Development of novel, effective, and safe imaging agents is crucial for cancer therapy.
- Continued research in this field will accelerate anti-angiogenic drug discovery and development.
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