Molecular Imaging of Membrane Transporters' Activity in Cancer: a Picture is Worth a Thousand Tubes

AAPS J. 2015 Jul;17(4):788-801. doi: 10.1208/s12248-015-9752-6. Epub 2015 Mar 31.

Abstract

Molecular imaging allows the non-invasive assessment of membrane transporter expression and function in living subjects. Such technologies have the potential to become diagnostic and prognostic tools, allowing detection, localization, and prediction of response of tumors and their metastases to therapy. Beyond tumors, imaging can also help understand the role of transporters in adverse drug effects and drug clearance. Here, we review molecular imaging technologies that monitor transporter-mediated processes. We emphasize emerging probe substrates and potential clinical applications of imaging the function of membrane transporters in cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport / physiology
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Membrane Transport Proteins