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.
