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Published on: July 21, 2018
Cancer stratification by molecular imaging
Justus Weber1, Uwe Haberkorn2, Walter Mier3
1Heidelberg University Hospital, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. ju.weber.ma@gmx.de.
Abstract:
The lack of specificity of traditional cytotoxic drugs has triggered the development of anticancer agents that selectively address specific molecular targets. An intrinsic property of these specialized drugs is their limited applicability for specific patient subgroups. Consequently, the generation of information about tumor characteristics is the key to exploit the potential of these drugs. Currently, cancer stratification relies on three approaches: Gene expression analysis and cancer proteomics, immunohistochemistry and molecular imaging. In order to enable the precise localization of functionally expressed targets, molecular imaging combines highly selective biomarkers and intense signal sources. Thus, cancer stratification and localization are performed simultaneously. Many cancer types are characterized by altered receptor expression, such as somatostatin receptors, folate receptors or Her2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2). Similar correlations are also known for a multitude of transporters, such as glucose transporters, amino acid transporters or hNIS (human sodium iodide symporter), as well as cell specific proteins, such as the prostate specific membrane antigen, integrins, and CD20. This review provides a comprehensive description of the methods, targets and agents used in molecular imaging, to outline their application for cancer stratification. Emphasis is placed on radiotracers which are used to identify altered expression patterns of cancer associated markers.
Insights
Molecular imaging enables precise cancer stratification by identifying specific molecular targets. This approach combines biomarkers and signal sources for simultaneous cancer localization and stratification, improving targeted therapy selection.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Traditional chemotherapy lacks specificity, leading to targeted anticancer agents.
- Targeted therapies require detailed tumor characteristic information for patient subgroup applicability.
- Current cancer stratification methods include gene expression, proteomics, immunohistochemistry, and molecular imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methods, targets, and agents in molecular imaging for cancer stratification.
- To highlight the role of radiotracers in identifying cancer-associated markers.
- To outline the application of molecular imaging in precise cancer localization and stratification.
Main Methods:
- Molecular imaging utilizes selective biomarkers and signal sources for target localization.
- Analysis of altered receptor expression (e.g., somatostatin, folate, Her2).
- Detection of transporter expression (e.g., glucose, amino acid, hNIS) and cell-specific proteins (e.g., PSMA, integrins, CD20).
Main Results:
- Molecular imaging allows simultaneous cancer stratification and localization.
- Identified targets include various receptors, transporters, and cell-specific proteins.
- Radiotracers are crucial for detecting altered expression patterns of cancer markers.
Conclusions:
- Molecular imaging is a key tool for precise cancer stratification and localization.
- It facilitates the exploitation of targeted anticancer agents by identifying specific patient subgroups.
- The review emphasizes radiotracers for identifying cancer-associated markers and guiding treatment decisions.
