Fluorescence molecular tomography: principles and potential for pharmaceutical research

Area of Science:

• Biomedical imaging
• Optical physics
• Molecular biology

Background:

• Fluorescence microscopy is vital for cellular studies due to sensitivity and resolution.
• In vivo optical imaging faces challenges from light scattering and absorption in biological tissues.
• Quantitative molecular imaging in vivo necessitates advanced techniques like fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status and potential of fluorescence tomography.
• To highlight advances in multimodality imaging for drug development.
• To discuss the application of FMT in preclinical and clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) for 3D distribution mapping.
• Integration of FMT with structural imaging (CT, MRI) for anatomical reference.
• Utilizing prior information on optical properties to improve image reconstruction.

Main Results:

• FMT allows mapping of fluorescent probe or protein concentration in vivo.
• Multimodality imaging enhances resolution and sensitivity by combining molecular and structural data.
• Successful translation of fluorescence assays from cellular to animal studies.

Conclusions:

• FMT, especially when combined with structural imaging, offers powerful tools for non-invasive molecular monitoring.
• These techniques are highly attractive for diagnostic applications and crucial for drug development (proof-of-mechanism, proof-of-efficacy).
• Continued advancements in multimodality fluorescence tomography promise significant impact on preclinical and clinical research.