Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
Fluorescence Molecular Tomography for In Vivo Imaging of Glioblastoma Xenografts
Published on: April 26, 2018
Functional In Vivo Imaging of Tumors
Mohammad Haris1,2,3, Sabah Nisar4, Sheema Hashem4
1Functional and Molecular Imaging, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar. mharis@sidra.org.
Abstract:
Noninvasive imaging of functional and molecular changes in cancer has become an indispensable tool for studying cancer in vivo. Targeting the functional and molecular changes in cancer imaging provides a platform for the in vivo analysis of the mechanisms such as gene expression, signal transduction, biochemical reactions, regulatory pathways, cell trafficking, and drug action underlying cancer noninvasively. The main focus of imaging in cancer is the development of new contrast methods/molecular probes for the early diagnosis and the precise evaluation of therapy response. In clinical setup, imaging modalities facilitate screening, prediction, staging, biopsy and therapy guidance, therapy response, therapy planning, and prognosis of cancer. In this book chapter, we review different established and emerging in vivo imaging modalities and their applications in monitoring functional, molecular, and metabolic changes in cancer.
Insights
Noninvasive cancer imaging tracks molecular and functional changes in vivo. This approach aids in early diagnosis, therapy evaluation, and understanding cancer mechanisms for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Noninvasive imaging is crucial for in vivo cancer research.
- It allows analysis of cancer mechanisms like gene expression and drug action.
- Developing novel contrast agents and molecular probes is key for early diagnosis and therapy assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review established and emerging in vivo imaging modalities for cancer.
- To highlight their applications in monitoring functional, molecular, and metabolic changes.
- To emphasize the role of imaging in clinical cancer management.
Main Methods:
- Review of established and emerging in vivo imaging techniques.
- Focus on molecular probes and contrast methods.
- Discussion of applications in functional, molecular, and metabolic cancer monitoring.
Main Results:
- In vivo imaging enables noninvasive analysis of cancer mechanisms.
- Imaging modalities support screening, staging, biopsy, and therapy guidance.
- Established and emerging techniques offer diverse applications in cancer research and clinical practice.
Conclusions:
- Noninvasive imaging is indispensable for in vivo cancer studies.
- Targeted imaging facilitates in vivo analysis of complex cancer mechanisms.
- Imaging plays a vital role in comprehensive cancer care, from diagnosis to prognosis.
