Molecular Imaging Detects "Pre-Diseases"
Molecular imaging is sometimes called the next frontier of diagnostic imaging. It probes the fundamental biology of disease – that is, changes and abnormalities at the cellular and molecular levels that lead to disease. In most cases this means identifying the evolution of a disease process long before signs and symptoms are apparent. In contrast, traditional imaging observes the end results – that is, the presence of these molecular changes at a mature stage of the disease.1
- Molecular imaging will allow much earlier detection and therefore the potential to apply therapy at a time when the disease may still be eradicated. This translates into much better and effective patient care. In fact, detection may be possible in what is currently defined as "predisease states."2 That is, when even slight abnormalities occur at the cellular level well before what we currently define as "disease" truly exists.
- Early detection through molecular imaging will be in dramatic contrast to current capabilities. Today, it is estimated that on average, six years pass between the time that genetic abnormalities appear and the time that current imaging can detect the cancer that results.3
- Coupled with advances in genomics and nanotechnologies (atom-sized, engineered structures) molecular imaging will dramatically transform the entire process – and timing – of early detection and treatment.
- Clinicians will be able to pinpoint troublesome genes and use imaging and associated molecular therapy as part of an overall strategy to stop or at least delay the onset of physiological symptoms.
- For example, nanotechnology contrast agents can be engineered to fit specific physical and chemical properties of organs or tissue in areas of the body that are now inaccessible to such molecules. When these reach the appropriate location and bind with the appropriate molecules, they will be visible to imaging modalities such as MRI, nuclear medicine, and ultrasound.
- This means early detection for a variety of conditions. "Tumors consisting of just a few cells, or subtle perturbations to blood flow that signal a warning of impending heart disease, will be detectable, making earlier treatment possible," according to a government report on nanotechnology and imaging.4
1 "Molecular Imaging," Weissleder R, Mahmood U, Radiology, 219:316-333, 2001.
2 Ibid., p. 317
3 "Molecular Imaging," Pendergrass Lecture, Ralph Weissleder, Harvard University, at Radiological Society of North America, 2000.
4 "National Nanotechnology Initiative: Leading to the Next Industrial Revolution," A Report by the Interagency Working Group on Nanoscience, Engineering, and Technology, Committee on Technology, National Science and Technology Council, Washington DC, February 2000, p. 44.
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