Kang Dongmin
Korea Basic Science Institute, Chuncheon Center, Chuncheon, Korea.
Korean J Gastroenterol. 2007 May;49(5):287-93.
Development of in vivo animal imaging instrumentations and methods contributes to the early diagnosis of cancer. Of variable imaging modalities, in vivo optical imaging such as bioluminescence and fluorescence is one of the best methods to measure molecular change of cancer cells. High sensitivity and relatively low cost of optical method gives benefits to apply for translational research in the field of cancer. Nano-probes to label and detect early cancer cells have been developed by nano-chemists and molecular imaging researchers. Quantum dots made from fluorescent semi-conductors show good advantages in term of imaging probes; high quantum yields, large molar extinction coefficients, size-dependent tunable emission and high photostability. To detect a gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, newly developed endoscopes have been used. Among them, near infrared fluorescence endoscope and confocal endomicroscope are good candidates for clinical application. In animal studies, successful results to detect cancer in gastrointestinal tract have been obtained. Prospect of nanoparticles as optical imaging moiety is promising to detect GI cancers if their toxicity is minimized. Future fluorescence confocal endoscope with safe cancer targeting nanoparticles will be useful for the detection and treatment of GI cancers.
体内动物成像仪器和方法的发展有助于癌症的早期诊断。在各种成像方式中，体内光学成像，如生物发光和荧光成像，是检测癌细胞分子变化的最佳方法之一。光学方法的高灵敏度和相对低成本有利于在癌症领域开展转化研究。纳米化学家和分子成像研究人员已经开发出用于标记和检测早期癌细胞的纳米探针。由荧光半导体制成的量子点作为成像探针具有诸多优点：高量子产率、大摩尔消光系数、尺寸依赖性可调发射和高光稳定性。为了检测胃肠道（GI）癌，人们使用了新开发的内窥镜。其中，近红外荧光内窥镜和共聚焦内镜显微镜是临床应用的良好选择。在动物研究中，已获得在胃肠道检测癌症的成功结果。如果将纳米颗粒作为光学成像部分的毒性降至最低，那么其在检测胃肠道癌方面的前景十分广阔。未来配备安全的癌症靶向纳米颗粒的荧光共聚焦内窥镜将有助于胃肠道癌的检测和治疗。
