Near-infrared fluorescence and nuclear imaging and targeting of prostate cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Medical Imaging
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Castration-resistant prostate cancer (PCa) with bone metastases presents significant treatment challenges.
• Current diagnostic methods struggle for unambiguous detection of PCa growth and metastatic spread.
• There is a critical need for advanced imaging to monitor PCa progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) and near-infrared nuclear (NIRN) imaging for prostate cancer.
• To present experimental validation of these imaging approaches in models of PCa bone and soft tissue metastases.
• To discuss molecular mechanisms and targeting strategies for metastatic PCa.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of noninvasive NIRF and NIRN imaging modalities.
• Validation in experimental models of PCa bone and soft tissue metastases (intratibial and intracardiac injection).
• Molecular studies of tumor cells and their microenvironment interactions.
• Investigation of differential uptake mechanisms of imaging agents.

Main Results:

• NIRF and NIRN imaging approaches were successfully validated in preclinical models of PCa metastases.
• These techniques allow for the probing of PCa tumors at metastatic sites.
• Understanding of molecular processes and tumor microenvironment interactions was enhanced.

Conclusions:

• NIRF and NIRN imaging represent promising technologies for detecting and characterizing prostate cancer metastases.
• These advanced imaging disciplines offer improved visualization and potential therapeutic targeting of metastatic PCa.
• Further research into differential uptake mechanisms can optimize agent efficacy.