Molecular imaging of prostate cancer: Translating molecular biology approaches into the clinical realm Journal Article


Authors: Vargas, H. A.; Grimm, J.; Donati, O. F.; Sala, E.; Hricak, H.
Article Title: Molecular imaging of prostate cancer: Translating molecular biology approaches into the clinical realm
Abstract: Abstract: The epidemiology of prostate cancer has dramatically changed since the introduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening in the 1980’s. Most prostate cancers today are detected at early stages of the disease and are considered ‘indolent’; however, some patients’ prostate cancers demonstrate a more aggressive behaviour which leads to rapid progression and death. Increasing understanding of the biology underlying the heterogeneity that characterises this disease has led to a continuously evolving role of imaging in the management of prostate cancer. Functional and metabolic imaging techniques are gaining importance as the impact on the therapeutic paradigm has shifted from structural tumour detection alone to distinguishing patients with indolent tumours that can be managed conservatively (e.g., by active surveillance) from patients with more aggressive tumours that may require definitive treatment with surgery or radiation. In this review, we discuss advanced imaging techniques that allow direct visualisation of molecular interactions relevant to prostate cancer and their potential for translation to the clinical setting in the near future. The potential use of imaging to follow molecular events during drug therapy as well as the use of imaging agents for therapeutic purposes will also be discussed. Key Points: • Advanced imaging techniques allow direct visualisation of molecular interactions in prostate cancer. • MRI/PET, optical and Cerenkov imaging facilitate the translation of molecular biology. • Multiple compounds targeting PSMA expression are currently undergoing clinical translation. • Other targets (e.g., PSA, prostate-stem cell antigen, GRPR) are in development. © 2015, European Society of Radiology.
Keywords: molecular imaging; prostate cancer; optical imaging; mri/pet; cerenkov imaging
Journal Title: European Radiology
Volume: 25
Issue: 5
ISSN: 0938-7994
Publisher: Springer  
Date Published: 2015-05-01
Start Page: 1294
End Page: 1302
Language: English
DOI: 10.1007/s00330-014-3539-5
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 25693661
PMCID: PMC4994516
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 2 September 2015 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Evis Sala
    113 Sala
  2. Hedvig Hricak
    421 Hricak
  3. Jan Grimm
    94 Grimm
  4. Olivio Fabrizio Manolo Donati
    17 Donati