Molecular imaging in biomedical research

Abstract

Molecular imaging (MR) is a diverse technology that revolutionized preclinical, clinical and drug discovery research. It integreates biology and medicine, and the technique presents a unique opportunity to examine living systems in vivo as a dynamic biological system. It is a hybrid technology that combines PET, SPECT, ultrasound, optical imaging and MR. Several MI methodologies are developed to examine the integrative function of molecules, cells, organ systems and whole organisms. MI is superior to conventional diagonistic techniques in allowing better staging as well as to monitor the response of cancer/tumor to treatment. In addition, it helps visualization of specific molecular targets or pathways and cells in living systems and ultimately in the clinic.