Applications of Molecular Imaging Techniques in Oncology

Novel molecular imaging techniques are direct or indirect visualising methods which complement the various approaches be it diagnostic or therapeutic. These techniques are gaining immense recognition as they are proving to be a powerful tool with the scope of improving every aspect of cancer care. Molecular imaging is a non-invasive technique of visualising the molecules and events related to it that form the basis of human tumor biology. Today various advanced molecular enhancers have been developed for visualising the molecular events in the human body efficiently and accurately. These include Ultrasound, PET, SPECT, MRI and Optical imaging which may assist in the rapid and more efficient diagnosis and grading of tumors which are fundamental for early and productive therapeutic response. The smart molecular imaging techniques not only allow localisation of tumors but also detect the expression levels and the altered functions of distinct proteins. Imaging can also help in looking for various activities which are hallmarks of cancer such as apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis that are responsible for its altered biology and their therapeutic response. “Smart” molecular probes developed in molecular imaging seem encouraging for their potential to visualise tumor lesions before its resection and after, without reinjecting the probe to monitor the outcome or the effects of its removal. Additionally, dual labelling with fluorescent dyes of molecular MR probes may instigate simultaneous assistance during surgical resection, thus augmenting complete removal and preservation of important structures. Therefore, a correct combination of therapeutic and diagnostic approach is the requisite need of the hour.

Keywords: Diagnostic, Molecular Imaging, Molecular Probe, MRI, Oncology, Optical Imaging, PET, Therapeutic, Ultrasound.