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Updated: Mar 24, 2026
Tumor Hypoxia Assessment: In Vivo 3D Oxygen Imaging Through Electron Paramagnetic Resonance
Published on: February 14, 2025
Imaging Agents in Targeting Tumor Hypoxia
Yun Zeng, Jingwen Ma, Shaojuan Zhang
1Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi`an Jiaotong University; Xi`an, P. R. China. wudaocheng@mail.xjtu.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Tissue hypoxia may occur in many diseases, specifically during the occurrence and growth of malignant solid-tumors. Targeting hypoxia is one of the most significant characteristics of tumors in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. This review summarizes the current oxygen-sensitive imaging agents used to target tumor hypoxia, including positron-emission computed tomography/single photon-emission computed tomography radionuclide labeled tracers, magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents for hypoxia detection, and hypoxia-sensitive optical imaging probes. Researchers have utilized nanotechnology as a useful toolkit to improve the effects of oxygen-sensitive imaging agents. We emphasize the progress and influence of nanotechnology in these materials and technologies. This review demonstrates that hypoxia imaging agents have promising prospects, and may provide helpful information for tumor diagnosis and prognosis.
Insights
Hypoxia, or low oxygen, is key in solid tumors. This review covers oxygen-sensitive imaging agents and nanotechnology for better tumor diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Tissue hypoxia is prevalent in various diseases, particularly in malignant solid tumors.
- Tumor hypoxia is a critical factor in cancer progression, influencing diagnosis, monitoring, and therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current oxygen-sensitive imaging agents for targeting tumor hypoxia.
- To highlight the role of nanotechnology in enhancing these imaging agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on hypoxia imaging agents.
- Analysis of applications of nanotechnology in hypoxia-sensitive imaging.
Main Results:
- Summary of positron-emission computed tomography/single photon-emission computed tomography radionuclide tracers, MRI contrast agents, and optical probes for hypoxia detection.
- Demonstration of nanotechnology's positive impact on the efficacy of hypoxia imaging agents.
Conclusions:
- Hypoxia imaging agents show significant promise for improving tumor diagnosis and prognosis.
- Nanotechnology integration offers advanced solutions for hypoxia-targeted imaging in oncology.
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