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Updated: May 2, 2026
A Bright NIR-II Fluorescence Probe for Vascular and Tumor Imaging
Published on: March 17, 2023
Near-infrared fluorescent probes in cancer imaging and therapy: an emerging field
Xiaomin Yi1, Fuli Wang1, Weijun Qin1
1Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging is an attractive modality for early cancer detection with high sensitivity and multi-detection capability. Due to convenient modification by conjugating with moieties of interests, NIRF probes are ideal candidates for cancer targeted imaging. Additionally, the combinatory application of NIRF imaging and other imaging modalities that can delineate anatomical structures extends fluorometric determination of biomedical information. Moreover, nanoparticles loaded with NIRF dyes and anticancer agents contribute to the synergistic management of cancer, which integrates the advantage of imaging and therapeutic functions to achieve the ultimate goal of simultaneous diagnosis and treatment. Appropriate probe design with targeting moieties can retain the original properties of NIRF and pharmacokinetics. In recent years, great efforts have been made to develop new NIRF probes with better photostability and strong fluorescence emission, leading to the discovery of numerous novel NIRF probes with fine photophysical properties. Some of these probes exhibit tumoricidal activities upon light radiation, which holds great promise in photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and photoimmunotherapy. This review aims to provide a timely and concise update on emerging NIRF dyes and multifunctional agents. Their potential uses as agents for cancer specific imaging, lymph node mapping, and therapeutics are included. Recent advances of NIRF dyes in clinical use are also summarized.
Insights
Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging offers sensitive, targeted cancer detection. Emerging NIRF dyes and multifunctional agents enable simultaneous diagnosis and treatment, advancing cancer management.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging provides high sensitivity for early cancer detection.
- NIRF probes are adaptable for targeted cancer imaging through conjugation.
- Combining NIRF with other modalities enhances anatomical delineation and biomedical information retrieval.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging near-infrared fluorescence dyes and multifunctional agents for cancer management.
- To highlight advances in NIRF probes for targeted imaging, lymph node mapping, and therapeutics.
- To summarize recent clinical applications of NIRF dyes.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on NIRF dyes and multifunctional agents.
- Analysis of probe design, photophysical properties, and targeting moieties.
- Evaluation of combined imaging and therapeutic applications, including photothermal, photodynamic, and photoimmunotherapy.
Main Results:
- Development of novel NIRF probes with improved photostability and fluorescence emission.
- Demonstration of synergistic cancer management through nanoparticles combining NIRF dyes and anticancer agents.
- Identification of NIRF probes with tumoricidal activity upon light radiation.
Conclusions:
- Emerging NIRF dyes and multifunctional agents show significant promise for precise cancer diagnosis and therapy.
- Advanced probe design enhances targeting specificity and pharmacokinetic properties.
- NIRF imaging integrated with therapeutic functions offers a powerful strategy for simultaneous cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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