Multimodal SPECT-Based Molecular Probes for Tumor Imaging and Theranostics

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Molecular Imaging
• Oncology

Background:

• Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) offers high molecular sensitivity but suffers from limited spatial resolution and anatomical detail.
• Current limitations hinder comprehensive tumor evaluation and precise treatment assessment.
• Advances in radiochemistry, molecular design, and nanotechnology are driving the development of innovative SPECT probes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review key innovations in designing multimodal and multifunctional SPECT probes.
• To elucidate structure-property relationships governing in vivo performance of these probes.
• To examine barriers to clinical implementation and outline design principles for next-generation SPECT platforms.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent advances in multimodal and multifunctional SPECT probe development.
• Analysis of probe design strategies integrating nuclear imaging with other modalities (magnetic, optical, photoacoustic).
• Examination of theranostic applications combining diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.

Main Results:

• Emergence of hybrid SPECT probes integrating multiple imaging modalities and therapeutic components.
• Demonstration of precise tumor localization, intraoperative guidance, and longitudinal tracking of therapeutic responses.
• Identification of key innovations in probe design and structure-property relationships.

Conclusions:

• Multimodal and multifunctional SPECT probes represent a significant advancement in precision oncology.
• These hybrid systems merge diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities for comprehensive cancer management.
• Addressing chemical, biological, and translational barriers is crucial for clinical translation of next-generation SPECT platforms.