Recent advances in the molecular imaging of programmed cell death: Part II--non-probe-based MRI, ultrasound, and...

There is much that can be done to detect apoptosis and other forms of cell death with existing clinical modalities including ultrasound, MRI, and optical imaging without the need for current or new intravenous contrast agents. We will discuss how these widely available imaging technologies can readily be applied to the imaging of apoptosis in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment. The limiting factor of course is the lack of knowledge of the optimal times after the start of treatment for the most accurate assessment of apoptosis and necrosis with each modality and specific technique. It is hoped that imaging studies that systematically look at treatment response can soon be performed to address these issues.