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INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF

CancerGenetics

• Utilizing molecular imaging to screen for cancer at an early stage

• Ashkan Hajjafari,¹ Soheil Sadr,² Soroush Partovi Moghaddam,³ Mobina Pato,⁴ Abbas Rahdar,^5,* Sadanand Pandey,⁶
  1. Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  2. Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
  3. Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  4. Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  5. Department of Physics, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
  6. Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Science, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak‐Ro, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea School of Bioengineering and Food Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, Solan 173229, Himachal Pradesh, India
  
  
  
• Introduction: Cancer detection and treatment are significantly improved by early detection since more effective treatment is possible before the disease progresses. However, traditional imaging techniques, such as Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), often rely on anatomical changes to detect cancer, which may not manifest until the disease is advanced. A key benefit of molecular imaging is its ability to visualize cellular and molecular processes that occur before visible structural changes are visible. Cancer biomarkers can be tracked in real-time at a molecular level using specific imaging probes or tracers that bind to cancer biomarkers. As opposed to conventional methods, molecular imaging can detect tumors earlier, predict their behavior, and assess treatment response more effectively. The review discusses advances in molecular imaging modalities for early cancer detection, tumor-specific imaging agents, and clinical implications.
• Methods: Recent advances in molecular imaging techniques for early cancer detection were assessed in a narrative review. Through PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, literature published between 2005 and 2023 was identified by keywords including "molecular imaging," "early cancer detection," "PET-CT," "tumor biomarkers," "diagnostic imaging," "non-invasive cancer detection," and "cancer imaging agents. studies focused on molecular imaging applications, innovative tracers, and imaging techniques that detect cancer early. A particular emphasis was placed on preclinical or clinical trials with potential translational value to clinical practice.
• Results: Molecular imaging has become a powerful tool for the early detection of a variety of cancers, including lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. A molecular imaging technique can visualize biochemical and molecular changes at the cellular level, as opposed to traditional imaging methods, which detect changes in anatomy. One of the most common techniques used is Positron Emission Tomography (PET), while Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) is another. PET/CT is the most popular technique. Currently, 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is being used extensively for identifying metabolic changes in cancer cells. However, newer tracers that are more specific are showing promise. For example, Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) can be detected early in the course of prostate cancer, or HER2-targeted agents can be detected early in the course of breast cancer. Comparing these tumor-specific tracers to general tracers like 18F-FDG, these tumor-specific tracers demonstrate higher sensitivity and specificity. Further, molecular imaging becomes increasingly important in monitoring Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) post-treatment and tracking tumor recurrences. Researchers have also shown that molecular imaging combined with signaling pathways specific to cancer, such as EGFR and VEGF, enhances early cancer detection. In preclinical and clinical studies, new imaging probes, such as radiolabeled small molecules, peptides, and antibodies, are being investigated. These probes can identify tumors on the molecular level.
• Conclusion: Molecular imaging can revolutionize the early detection of cancer by enabling visualization of cellular and molecular processes before anatomical changes occur. By using tumor-specific tracers, such as PSMA for prostate cancer and HER2 for breast cancer, this approach improves diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity. A combination of molecular imaging and specific tumor biomarkers and signaling pathways highlights its potential in personalized medicine. Despite the fact that researchers are continually developing new imaging probes and hybrid imaging systems, such as PET-MRI to enable more effective diagnosis of cancer at an earlier stage of the disease. As cancer diagnostics advance, molecular imaging will play a key role in improving patient outcomes.
• Keywords: Molecular Imaging Early Cancer Detection PET-CT Tumor Biomarkers Imaging Agents