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Breast Cancer Treatment in the Era of Molecular Imaging
Gundula Edelhauser1, Martin Funovics
1Workgroup for Experimental Radiology and Preclinical Imaging, Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
Abstract:
Molecular imaging employs molecularly targeted probes to visualize and often quantify distinct disease-specific markers and pathways. Modalities like intravital confocal or multiphoton microscopy, near-infrared fluorescence combined with endoscopy, surface reflectance imaging, or fluorescence-mediated tomography, and radionuclide imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are increasingly used for small animal high-throughput screening, drug development and testing, and monitoring gene therapy experiments. In the clinical treatment of breast cancer, PET and SPECT as well as magnetic resonance-based molecular imaging are already established for the staging of distant disease and intrathoracic nodal status, for patient selection regarding receptor-directed treatments, and to gain early information about treatment efficacy. In the near future, reporter gene imaging during gene therapy and further spatial and qualitative characterization of the disease can become clinically possible with radionuclide and optical methods. Ultimately, it may be expected that every level of breast cancer treatment will be affected by molecular imaging, including screening.
Insights
Molecular imaging uses targeted probes to detect disease markers. This technology is impacting breast cancer screening, treatment selection, and monitoring, with future applications in gene therapy.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Molecular imaging utilizes targeted probes to visualize and quantify disease-specific markers and pathways.
- Various advanced imaging modalities are employed for research and preclinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the established and emerging roles of molecular imaging in breast cancer management.
- To discuss the potential of molecular imaging in gene therapy and early disease detection.
Main Methods:
- Review of current molecular imaging techniques including intravital microscopy, near-infrared fluorescence, PET, SPECT, and MRI.
- Application of these techniques in small animal models for high-throughput screening and drug development.
- Clinical utilization of PET, SPECT, and MRI for breast cancer staging and treatment monitoring.
Main Results:
- Molecular imaging is crucial for staging distant disease and nodal status in breast cancer.
- It aids in patient selection for receptor-directed therapies and provides early efficacy assessment.
- Reporter gene imaging and advanced optical methods are poised for clinical translation.
Conclusions:
- Molecular imaging is transforming breast cancer care across all stages, from screening to treatment monitoring.
- Its integration into clinical practice is expected to enhance diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic strategies.
- Future advancements promise further refinement in disease characterization and treatment response evaluation.
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