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Pre-clinical SPECT and SPECT-CT in Oncology

Youngho Seo1, Elena M Zannoni2

  • 1Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. youngho.seo@ucsf.edu.

Recent Results in Cancer Research. Fortschritte Der Krebsforschung. Progres Dans Les Recherches Sur Le Cancer
|May 18, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Molecular imaging with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) offers insights into cancer development and spread. Advances in SPECT and radiopharmaceuticals enhance sensitivity for drug discovery and treatment monitoring in oncology.

Area of Science:

  • Nuclear medicine
  • Molecular imaging
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Molecular imaging provides spatial and temporal insights into carcinogenesis and malignant spread.
  • Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a nuclear imaging technique suitable for studying these processes in vivo.
  • SPECT is valuable for identifying drug candidates and characterizing their effects in cancer research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight advances in small-animal SPECT, SPECT-CT, and SPECT-MR systems.
  • To discuss the evolution of radiopharmaceuticals for SPECT imaging.
  • To explore applications in oncology and new research areas.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing advanced small-animal SPECT, SPECT-CT, and SPECT-MR systems.
  • Employing a variety of radiopharmaceuticals for SPECT imaging.
  • Leveraging quantitative molecular imaging capabilities.

Main Results:

  • Enhanced sensitivity and quantitative capabilities in molecular imaging.
  • Improved characterization of anti-tumor action and potential adverse effects of drug candidates.
  • Demonstration of novel applications in oncology research.

Conclusions:

  • SPECT technology and radiopharmaceuticals have significantly advanced molecular imaging in oncology.
  • These advancements enable unprecedented sensitivity and quantitative analysis for cancer research.
  • Future exploration of new applications holds promise for further understanding and treatment of cancer.
Keywords:
Alpha particlesBeta particlesCancer ImagingCollimatorPreclinical SPECTPreclinical SPECT/CTPreclinical SPECT/MRIQuantitative SPECTRadiation detectionRadiation dosimetryTheranostics

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