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Updated: Oct 14, 2025
Radionuclide-fluorescence Reporter Gene Imaging to Track Tumor Progression in Rodent Tumor Models
Published on: March 13, 2018
Fluorescent imaging for cancer therapy and cancer gene therapy
Yanghee Woo1, Shyambabu Chaurasiya1, Michael O'Leary1
1Department of Surgery, City of Hope Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
Abstract:
The translation of laboratory science into effective clinical cancer therapy is gaining momentum more rapidly than any other time in history. Understanding cancer cell-surface receptors, cancer cell growth, and cancer metabolic pathways has led to many promising molecular-targeted therapies and cancer gene therapies. These same targets may also be exploited for optical imaging of cancer. Theoretically, any antibody or small molecule targeting cancer can be labeled with bioluminescent or fluorescent agents. In the laboratory setting, fluorescence imaging (FI) and bioluminescence imaging (BLI) have long been used in preclinical research for quantification of tumor bulk, assessment of targeting of tumors by experimental agents, and discrimination between primary and secondary effects of cancer treatments. Many of these laboratory techniques are now moving to clinical trials. Imageable engineered fluorescent probes that are highly specific for cancer are being advanced. This will allow for the identification of tumors for staging, tracking novel therapeutic agents, assisting in adequate surgical resection, and allowing image-guided biopsies. The critical components of FI include (1) a fluorescent protein that is biologically safe, stable, and distinctly visible with a high target to background ratio and (2) highly sensitive optical detectors. This review will summarize the most promising optical imaging agents and detection devices for cancer clinical research and clinical care.
Insights
Optical imaging using fluorescence imaging (FI) and bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is advancing cancer research and clinical care. These techniques enable precise tumor detection, treatment monitoring, and image-guided interventions for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Laboratory cancer research is rapidly translating into clinical applications, including molecular-targeted and gene therapies.
- Cancer cell-surface receptors, growth, and metabolic pathways are key targets for novel therapies and imaging agents.
- Optical imaging techniques like fluorescence imaging (FI) and bioluminescence imaging (BLI) are established in preclinical research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review promising optical imaging agents and detection devices for cancer clinical research and patient care.
- To highlight the transition of laboratory-based optical imaging techniques to clinical trials.
- To discuss the potential of exploiting cancer-specific targets for advanced optical diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Review of current and emerging imageable engineered fluorescent probes specific for cancer.
- Summary of critical components for effective fluorescence imaging: safe, stable fluorescent proteins and sensitive optical detectors.
- Discussion of the application of bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and fluorescence imaging (FI) in preclinical and clinical settings.
Main Results:
- Advancement of highly specific, imageable engineered fluorescent probes for clinical use.
- Demonstration of FI and BLI's utility in quantifying tumor burden and assessing treatment efficacy in preclinical studies.
- Identification of key requirements for successful clinical translation of optical imaging technologies.
Conclusions:
- Optical imaging agents and detection devices are poised to significantly impact cancer clinical research and care.
- These technologies offer potential for improved tumor staging, therapeutic agent tracking, surgical guidance, and image-guided biopsies.
- The integration of advanced optical imaging promises more precise and effective cancer management strategies.
