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Updated: Mar 3, 2026
A Bright NIR-II Fluorescence Probe for Vascular and Tumor Imaging
Published on: March 17, 2023
Recent advances in activatable fluorescence imaging probes for tumor imaging
Jing Zhao1, Guorui Jin2, Guojun Weng1
1The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China.
Abstract:
Fluorescence imaging is superior in sensitivity and resolution compared with other imaging modalities; however, its application is hindered by high background noise. Tissue-selective strategies, such as passive, active, and activatable targeting, hold great promise in accelerating clinical translation by significantly improving the tumor:background ratio (TBR) and, in turn, the sensitivity and contrast of fluorescence imaging. Compared with the 'always on' contrast agents, activatable probes, which remain nonfluorescent until being activated by tumor-specific molecular targets, further enhance TBR and at the same time provide additional molecular information that can be related to tumor staging and therapy response. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the development of activatable fluorescence probes and provide insights into their advantages and limitations when used for tumor imaging.
Insights
Activatable fluorescence probes offer enhanced tumor imaging by remaining nonfluorescent until activated by specific molecular targets. This improves the tumor:background ratio, boosting sensitivity and providing molecular insights for cancer staging and therapy response.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Molecular Probes
- Optical Diagnostics
Background:
- Fluorescence imaging offers high sensitivity and resolution but suffers from background noise.
- Tissue-selective strategies are crucial for improving tumor visualization in clinical settings.
- Activatable probes enhance tumor:background ratio (TBR) and provide molecular information, unlike 'always on' agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in activatable fluorescence probes for tumor imaging.
- To discuss the advantages and limitations of these probes in clinical translation.
- To highlight their role in improving tumor detection and molecular characterization.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on activatable fluorescence probe development.
- Analysis of targeting strategies (passive, active, activatable) for improved TBR.
- Evaluation of probe activation mechanisms and their impact on imaging.
Main Results:
- Activatable probes significantly improve TBR by remaining nonfluorescent until target activation.
- These probes offer superior contrast and sensitivity compared to conventional methods.
- Activation by tumor-specific targets provides additional molecular information for staging and therapy monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Activatable fluorescence probes represent a significant advancement for sensitive and specific tumor imaging.
- Their ability to enhance TBR and provide molecular insights accelerates clinical translation.
- Further development is needed to overcome limitations and fully realize their potential in oncology.
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