[Frontiers in Bioscience 16, 393-410, January 1, 2011]

Molecular imaging metrics to evaluate response to preclinical therapeutic regimens

R. Adam Smith1, Saffet Guleryuz1, H. Charles Manning1-6

1Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, 2Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, 3Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, 4Program in Chemical and Physical Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, 5Department of Neurosurgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, 6Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Imaging biomarkers and modalities
3.1. Proliferation assessment by FLT-PET
3.2. Metabolism and PET
3.3. Angiogenesis and vascularity
3.4. Cell death and cellularity
3.5. Receptor-targeted probes
4. Summary and perspective
5. References

1. ABSTRACT

Molecular imaging comprises a range of techniques, spanning not only several imaging modalities but also many disease states and organ sites. While advances in new technology platforms have enabled a deeper understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of malignancy, reliable non-invasive imaging metrics remain an important tool for both diagnostics and patient management. Furthermore, the non-invasive nature of molecular imaging can overcome shortcomings associated with traditional biological approaches and provide valuable information relevant to patient care. Integration of information from multiple imaging techniques has the potential to provide a more comprehensive understanding of specific tumor characteristics, tumor status, and treatment response.