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HER2-targeted molecular probes for cancer imaging: construction, optimization, and clinical applications

Xinyu Guo1,2, Wenjiao Min3, Zhengyu Li1,2

  • 1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

International Journal of Surgery (London, England)
|February 9, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Molecular imaging probes offer a noninvasive way to assess human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in cancers. Optimizing these probes can improve imaging and patient care, but clinical translation requires addressing manufacturing and regulatory hurdles.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Imaging
  • Biomarker Development

Background:

  • Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression is crucial for precision cancer therapy.
  • Current HER2 diagnostics are invasive and cannot capture HER2 expression heterogeneity.
  • Molecular imaging offers noninvasive, quantitative HER2 assessment for improved clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the design and engineering of novel HER2-targeted molecular imaging probes.
  • To evaluate strategies for optimizing probe performance, including contrast, stability, and specificity.
  • To identify challenges hindering the clinical translation of HER2-targeted imaging probes.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of HER2-targeted probe design and optimization strategies.
  • Evaluation of probe architecture and functional modifications.
  • Analysis of preclinical advancements and clinical translation barriers.

Main Results:

  • HER2-targeted probes enable noninvasive, whole-body assessment of HER2 status.
  • Probe optimization enhances imaging contrast, metabolic stability, and targeting specificity.
  • Significant preclinical progress has been made in developing advanced HER2 probes.

Conclusions:

  • HER2-targeted molecular imaging supports early subtyping, metastasis detection, and treatment monitoring.
  • Overcoming manufacturing, quality control, and regulatory challenges is essential for clinical adoption.
  • Further research is needed to fully leverage HER2-targeted imaging in precision oncology.
Keywords:
HER2cancer imagingclinical applicationsmolecular probeoptimization strategy

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