[Molecular imaging of tumor blood vessels]

Urologe A. 2007 Sep;46(9):1266-71. doi: 10.1007/s00120-007-1516-1.
[Article in German]

Abstract

In the past three decades many efforts have been undertaken to understand the mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis. The introduction of the anti-angiogenic drugs in tumor therapy during the last few years necessitates the establishment of new techniques enabling molecular imaging of vascular remodeling. Tumor imaging by X-ray, CT, MRI and ultrasound has to be improved by coupling with molecular markers targeting the tumor vessels. The determination of tumor size as commonly used is not appropriate since the extended necrosis under anti-angiogenic therapy does not result in a reduction of tumor diameter. But remodeling of the tumor vessels under anti-angiogenic therapy obviously occurs at an early stage and seems to be a convincing parameter for tumor imaging. Despite the enormous progress in this field during the last few years the resolution is still not high enough to evaluate the remodeling of the microtumor vessels. Thus, new imaging approaches are needed to overcome this issue.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / metabolism
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics*
  • Diagnostic Imaging*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects
  • Endothelium, Vascular / radiation effects
  • Gene Expression / physiology
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Microcirculation / drug effects
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / genetics*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / radiotherapy
  • Urologic Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Urologic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Urologic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Urologic Neoplasms / radiotherapy

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Biomarkers, Tumor