Affiliations: Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M
University, College Station, TX 77843-3122, USA | Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University,
College Station, TX 77842-3012, USA | Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of
Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA | The Photon Migration Laboratories, Texas A&M
University, College Station, TX 77843-3573, USA
Note: [] Chun Li, Department of Experimental Diagnostic Imaging, The
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd. Box 59,
Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA. Tel.: +1 713 792 5182; Fax: +1 713 794 5456;
E-mail: [email protected]
Note: [] Corresponding authors: E.M. Sevick-Muraca, The Photon Migration
Laboratories, TAMU 3573, College Station, TX 77843-3573, USA. Tel.: +1 979 458
3206; Fax: +1 979 458 1011; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: The advent of recent advances in near-infrared laser diodes and fast
electro-optic detection has spawned a new research field of diagnostic
spectroscopy and imaging based on targeting and reporting exogenous fluorescent
agents. This review seeks to concisely address the physics, instrumentation,
advancements in tomography, and near-infrared fluorescent contrast agent
development that promises selective and specific molecular targeting of
diseased tissues. As an example of one area of the field, recent work focusing
on pharmacokinetic analysis of fluorophores targeting the epidermal growth
factor receptor (EGFR) is presented in a human breast cancer xenograft mouse
model to demonstrate specificity of molecularly targeted contrast agents.
Finally, a critical evaluation of the limitations and the opportunities for
future translation of fluorescence-enhanced optical imaging of deep tissues is
presented.
Journal: Disease Markers, vol. 19, no. 2-3, pp. 107-121, 2004
