Recent advances in small-molecule fluorescent probes with the function of targeting cancer receptors

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Molecular Imaging
• Oncology

Background:

• Cancer poses a significant threat to human health, necessitating advanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
• Overexpressed receptors on cancer cells present opportunities for targeted detection and treatment.
• Receptor-targeting strategies enhance the specificity of fluorescent probes for tumor localization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the design principles of small molecule fluorescent probes for receptor-targeted cancer imaging.
• To analyze the photophysical properties and applications of these targeted probes.
• To discuss future directions for developing active targeting probes in oncology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on small molecule fluorescent probes.
• Analysis of receptor-mediated endocytosis mechanisms for probe delivery.
• Evaluation of probe performance in cancer cell imaging and tracking.

Main Results:

• Receptor-targeting probes enable specific imaging and tracking of cancer cells.
• These probes aid in determining tumor boundaries and monitoring deep lesions.
• Applications include fluorescent imaging-guided surgery and enhanced clinical diagnostics.

Conclusions:

• Small molecule fluorescent probes targeting cancer cell surface receptors are crucial for precise tumor visualization.
• Continued development of these probes promises significant advancements in cancer detection and surgical guidance.
• Future research should focus on optimizing probe design for broader clinical translation and improved patient outcomes.