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Novel molecular imaging approaches in oncology: towards a more accurate estimation of tumour response
Amy Rose Sharkey1,2, Anum Pervez1, Gary J R Cook2,3
1Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.
Purpose Of Review:
With novel therapeutics improving cancer survival rates, the need for accurate treatment response assessment has become increasingly crucial. The Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours remains the standard imaging method for evaluation of treatment response, yet it has recognized limitations. Molecular imaging with targeted tracers offers earlier and more precise assessment of treatment efficacy, by capturing biological information beyond a change in tumour size. We discuss these recent advances, including tracers in clinical practice, and novel tracers in the pipeline, and how these can improve our assessment of treatment response.
Recent Findings:
The development of novel tracers is enabling more precise cancer diagnosis, staging and treatment, and enables the use of targeted treatments. Upcoming tracers offer the potential to predict treatment response prior to treatment, eradicating the morbidity associated with ineffective therapy. Improved PET hardware, such as total body PET, allows accurate insights into factors such as tumour uptake kinetics, which can be paired with artificial intelligence tools to allow prediction of tumour characteristics.
Summary:
This review summarizes recent advances in molecular imaging, including tracers that target tumour metabolism, tumour microenvironment and other treatable tumour targets. These aim to improve treatment response assessment, with the hope of improving outcomes by offering personalized and timely treatment adjustments.
Insights
Molecular imaging with targeted tracers offers earlier and more precise cancer treatment response assessment than traditional methods. These advancements, including novel tracers and improved PET hardware, promise personalized therapy adjustments for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Radiochemistry
Background:
- Novel cancer therapeutics are improving survival rates, increasing the need for accurate treatment response assessment.
- The Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) is the standard but has limitations in evaluating treatment efficacy.
- Molecular imaging provides biological insights beyond tumor size, enabling earlier and more precise assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in molecular imaging for cancer treatment response assessment.
- To discuss current and pipeline targeted tracers for improved efficacy evaluation.
- To explore how molecular imaging can enhance personalized cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on molecular imaging tracers and techniques in oncology.
- Discussion of tracers targeting tumor metabolism, microenvironment, and other relevant pathways.
- Exploration of advanced imaging hardware (e.g., total body PET) and AI integration.
Main Results:
- Novel tracers are enabling more precise cancer diagnosis, staging, and treatment selection.
- Emerging tracers may predict treatment response before therapy initiation, reducing ineffective treatment morbidity.
- Advanced PET imaging combined with AI offers deeper insights into tumor kinetics and characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Molecular imaging advances, including novel tracers, significantly improve cancer treatment response assessment.
- Targeted tracers offer personalized and timely treatment adjustments, aiming to improve patient outcomes.
- Future applications include predicting treatment response and optimizing therapeutic strategies.
