Cerenkov luminescence imaging: physics principles and potential applications in biomedical sciences

Abstract

Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) is a novel imaging modality to study charged particles with optical methods by detecting the Cerenkov luminescence produced in tissue. This paper first describes the physical processes that govern the production and transport in tissue of Cerenkov luminescence. The detectors used for CLI and their most relevant specifications to optimize the acquisition of the Cerenkov signal are then presented, and CLI is compared with the other optical imaging modalities sharing the same data acquisition and processing methods. Finally, the scientific work related to CLI and the applications for which CLI has been proposed are reviewed. The paper ends with some considerations about further perspectives for this novel imaging modality.

Nanoparticles to mediate X‐ray‐induced photodynamic therapy and Cherenkov radiation photodynamic therapy

“…Cherenkov luminescence (CL)‐based optical imaging has long been investigated and approved for medical use (Ciarrocchi & Belcari, ). Recently, several groups have exploited Cherenkov radiation as an energy source to activate PDT.…”

Synthesis of pH indicators for Cerenkov imaging by electrophilic substitution of bromine by fluorine in an aromatic system

“…These disciplines vary from pharmacology [4–6] to molecular imaging [7, 8], the latter of which includes a promising new technique known as Cerenkov imaging [9–12]. Our fluorine-related research is focused on the synthesis of novel potential anticancer drugs [13–18] and the development of 18 F-labeled Cerenkov imaging agents [19–23].…”

Preclinical optimization of antibody‐based radiopharmaceuticals for cancer imaging and radionuclide therapy—Model, vector, and radionuclide selection

“…18 F< 89 Zr< 124 I< 68 Ga< 90 Y(72, 73). Namely, the advantages afforded by high energy beta emitters stems primarily from two factors: 1) a greater energy differential with respect to the Cerenkov emission threshold produces more photons along the beta trajectory (i.e.…”

“…In contrast to PET, CLI favors high-energy beta-emitting radionuclides, eg, 18 F < 89 Zr < 124 I < 68 Ga < 90 Y. 74,75 Namely, the advantages afforded by high energy beta emitters stems primarily from 2 factors: (1) a greater energy differential with respect to the Cerenkov emission threshold produces more photons along the beta trajectory (ie, higher photon intensity), and (2) increased range of the beta particle results in a greater fraction of imageable photons created near the tissue surface where photon attenuation is decreased. While CLI remains largely a semi-quantitative planar imaging modality due to the non-penetrating nature of blue-UV frequency photons, tomographic techniques are currently being developed for small-scale applications including preclinical imaging and endoscopic techniques (Cerenkov Luminescence Tomography 76 ).…”