Ovarian Cancer Imaging Strategies With Molecular Fluorescent Probes

Ovarian cancer (OC) ranks as the second leading cause of gynecological cancer-related mortality worldwide. The 5-year survival rate is substantially improved to 75% for patients diagnosed at early stages. However, the lack of obvious early clinical symptoms, together with the limited sensitivity, specificity, and resolution of conventional diagnostic modalities, results in early diagnosis of OC being particularly unenviable. Therefore, developing reliable and sensitive strategies for the detection of OC in early stages is an imperative requisite. Biomarkers that are aberrantly expressed in OC cells and tissues provide fascinating targets for early diagnosis. Accurate visualization of these specific biomarkers enables sensitive discrimination of OC in early stages. Among various analytical approaches, fluorescence imaging technology has emerged as a highly promising strategy for biomarkers precise detection, owing to its high sensitivity, excellent spatio-temporal resolution, real-time and noninvasive imaging. In this review, we comprehensively summarize recent advances in molecular fluorescent probes for the detection of OC biomarkers both in vitro and in vivo systems. Particular emphasis is placed on probe design strategies, chemical structures, sensing mechanisms, and biological applications. Moreover, current challenges and future opportunities in the rational design and clinical translation of molecular fluorescent probes for early OC diagnosis are also highlighted.