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Updated: May 27, 2026
Radionuclide-fluorescence Reporter Gene Imaging to Track Tumor Progression in Rodent Tumor Models
Published on: March 13, 2018
Using in-vivo fluorescence imaging in personalized cancer diagnostics and therapy, an image and treat paradigm
Y Ardeshirpour1, V Chernomordik, J Capala
1NIH/National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 9 Memorial Dr., Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Abstract:
The major goal in developing drugs targeting specific tumor receptors, such as Monoclonal AntiBodies (MAB), is to make a drug compound that targets selectively the cancer-causing biomarkers, inhibits their functionality, and/or delivers the toxin specifically to the malignant cells. Recent advances in MABs show that their efficacy depends strongly on characterization of tumor biomarkers. Therefore, one of the main tasks in cancer diagnostics and treatment is to develop non-invasive in-vivo imaging techniques for detection of cancer biomarkers and monitoring their down regulation during the treatment. Such methods can potentially result in a new imaging and treatment paradigm for cancer therapy. In this article we have reviewed fluorescence imaging approaches, including those developed in our group, to detect and monitor Human Epidermal Growth Factor 2 (HER2) receptors before and during therapy. Transition of these techniques from the bench to bedside is the ultimate goal of our project. Similar approaches can be used potentially for characterization of other cancer related cell biomarkers.
Insights
Developing advanced fluorescence imaging techniques helps detect and monitor Human Epidermal Growth Factor 2 (HER2) receptors for improved cancer therapy. This approach aims to personalize cancer treatment by tracking biomarker down-regulation during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Targeted cancer therapies, including Monoclonal Antibodies (MABs), rely on precise characterization of tumor biomarkers.
- Effective cancer diagnostics and treatment necessitate non-invasive in-vivo imaging for biomarker detection and monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review fluorescence imaging approaches for detecting and monitoring Human Epidermal Growth Factor 2 (HER2) receptors.
- To explore the transition of these imaging techniques from laboratory research to clinical application (bench to bedside).
Main Methods:
- Review of fluorescence imaging techniques.
- Focus on methods for detecting and monitoring HER2 receptors in cancer patients.
- Inclusion of techniques developed by the research group.
Main Results:
- Fluorescence imaging offers a promising approach for in-vivo detection and monitoring of HER2 receptors.
- Characterization of tumor biomarkers is crucial for MAB efficacy.
- Potential for a new paradigm in cancer imaging and therapy.
Conclusions:
- Fluorescence imaging techniques are valuable for HER2 receptor monitoring before and during therapy.
- The development and clinical translation of these imaging methods are essential for personalized cancer treatment.
- Similar fluorescence imaging strategies may be applicable to other cancer-related biomarkers.
