Approaches to Multimodality Imaging of Angiogenesis

Abstract

Angiogenesis, defined as the formation of new capillaries by cellular outgrowth from existing microvessels, can be assessed by the evaluation of perfusion, function, and metabolism. However, more recently, novel, noninvasive imaging strategies for the evaluation of molecular events associated with the angiogenic process have been developed.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers predict survival and response in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with sorafenib and metronomic tegafur/uracil

“…Functional imaging to validate the biological efficacy of molecular targeted therapy has been extensively studied [10,11,[24][25][26]. DCE-MRI has the advantage of lack of ionizing radiation, good spatial resolution and soft-tissue contrast, and providing quantitative estimation of tumor vascular change after treatment.…”

“…Different functional imaging methods, including dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, positron emission tomography, have been tested in clinical trials for their usefulness in monitoring the efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapy [10,11]. Of these imaging modalities, dynamic contrastenhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is the most extensively studied [12].…”

SPECT and PET imaging of angiogenesis and arteriogenesis in pre-clinical models of myocardial ischemia and peripheral vascular disease

“…Angiogenesis is a multistep process orchestrated by a multitude of angiogenic factors and inhibitors, which offer a wide range of targets for therapeutic interventions and imaging [9, 68]. Because of its important role in the (partial) restoration of tissue perfusion in the ischemic area, angiogenesis stimulating therapy is an intensely studied subject in cardiovascular research.…”

“…Because of the high societal burden of disease, the cardiovascular system is a well-recognized target for molecular imaging. Longitudinal studies, monitoring cardiac function [5], imaging of atherosclerosis [6, 7], tissue viability and perfusion [8] and neovascularization [9, 10] are among the most studied cardiovascular areas. Molecular imaging of neovascularization has received a significant amount of attention as we still lack sensitive detection of neovascularization.…”

“…The term arteriogenesis describes the enlargement of pre-existing arteriolar anastomoses into large collaterals in response to enhanced fluid shear stress [13]. Angiogenesis is an ischemia driven process that represents the sprouting of new capillaries from existing microvasculature [9]. …”