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Updated: May 21, 2026
Monitoring Functionality and Morphology of Vasculature Recruited by Factors Secreted by Fast-growing Tumor-generating Cells
Published on: November 23, 2014
Imaging key biomarkers of tumor angiogenesis
Marina V Backer1, Joseph M Backer
1SibTech, Inc. Brookfield, CT 06804, USA.
Abstract:
Angiogenesis is a fundamental requirement for tumor growth and therefore it is a primary target for anti-cancer therapy. Molecular imaging of angiogenesis may provide novel opportunities for early diagnostic and for image-guided optimization and management of therapeutic regimens. Here we reviewed the advances in targeted imaging of key biomarkers of tumor angiogenesis, integrins and receptors for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Tracers for targeted imaging of these biomarkers in different imaging modalities are now reasonably well-developed and PET tracers for integrin imaging are currently in clinical trials. Molecular imaging of longitudinal responses to anti-angiogenic therapy in model tumor systems revealed a complex pattern of changes in targeted tracer accumulation in tumor, which reflects drug-induced tumor regression followed by vascular rebound. Further work will define the competitiveness of targeted imaging of key angiogenesis markers for early diagnostic and image-guided therapy.
Insights
Targeted molecular imaging of tumor angiogenesis biomarkers like integrins and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors shows promise for early cancer diagnosis and guiding therapy. Current PET tracers are advancing, aiding in monitoring treatment responses.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Tumor growth relies on angiogenesis, making it a key target for anti-cancer treatments.
- Molecular imaging offers potential for early cancer diagnosis and image-guided therapy optimization.
- Key biomarkers for tumor angiogenesis include integrins and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in targeted molecular imaging of tumor angiogenesis biomarkers.
- To assess the development of tracers for imaging integrins and VEGF receptors.
- To discuss the role of molecular imaging in monitoring anti-angiogenic therapy response.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on targeted imaging of angiogenesis biomarkers.
- Analysis of tracer development for various imaging modalities, including Positron Emission Tomography (PET).
- Evaluation of molecular imaging studies in preclinical tumor models assessing responses to anti-angiogenic therapy.
Main Results:
- Tracers for targeted imaging of integrins and VEGF receptors are well-developed.
- PET tracers for integrin imaging are currently undergoing clinical trials.
- Longitudinal molecular imaging revealed complex changes in tracer uptake during anti-angiogenic therapy, indicating tumor regression and vascular rebound.
Conclusions:
- Targeted molecular imaging of angiogenesis biomarkers holds significant potential for early cancer diagnostics.
- Image-guided optimization and management of anti-angiogenic therapies can be enhanced by these imaging techniques.
- Further research is needed to establish the clinical utility of targeted imaging for angiogenesis markers.
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