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Emerging biomedical imaging-based companion diagnostics for precision medicine
Shiyi Liao1, Mengjie Zhou1, Youjuan Wang1
1State Key Laboratory for Chemo, Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical, Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China.
Abstract:
The tumor heterogeneity, which leads to individual variations in tumor microenvironments, causes poor prognoses and limits therapeutic response. Emerging technology such as companion diagnostics (CDx) detects biomarkers and monitors therapeutic responses, allowing identification of patients who would benefit most from treatment. However, currently, most US Food and Drug Administration-approved CDx tests are designed to detect biomarkers in vitro and ex vivo, making it difficult to dynamically report variations of targets in vivo. Various medical imaging techniques offer dynamic measurement of tumor heterogeneity and treatment response, complementing CDx tests. Imaging-based companion diagnostics allow for patient stratification for targeted medicines and identification of patient populations benefiting from alternative therapeutic methods. This review summarizes recent developments in molecular imaging for predicting and assessing responses to cancer therapies, as well as the various biomarkers used in imaging-based CDx tests. We hope this review provides informative insights into imaging-based companion diagnostics and advances precision medicine.
Insights
Companion diagnostics (CDx) paired with molecular imaging can overcome limitations of current tests. This approach enables dynamic in vivo monitoring of tumor heterogeneity and treatment response for precision medicine.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Tumor heterogeneity impacts prognosis and treatment efficacy.
- Current companion diagnostics (CDx) primarily use in vitro/ex vivo methods, limiting dynamic in vivo monitoring.
- In vivo monitoring is crucial for assessing dynamic changes in tumor microenvironments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in molecular imaging for predicting and assessing cancer therapy response.
- To highlight biomarkers used in imaging-based CDx tests.
- To explore the role of imaging-based CDx in advancing precision medicine.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent developments in molecular imaging techniques.
- Analysis of biomarkers utilized in imaging-based companion diagnostics.
- Discussion of the integration of imaging with companion diagnostics for cancer therapy.
Main Results:
- Molecular imaging offers dynamic measurement of tumor heterogeneity and treatment response.
- Imaging-based CDx can complement traditional CDx tests by providing in vivo data.
- Patient stratification and identification of treatment benefits are enhanced through imaging-based approaches.
Conclusions:
- Imaging-based companion diagnostics represent a significant advancement in precision oncology.
- This approach facilitates dynamic monitoring of therapeutic responses and tumor heterogeneity.
- Further development in this field promises to improve patient outcomes and personalize cancer treatment.
