Visualizing the Tumor Microenvironment: Molecular Imaging Probes Target Extracellular Matrix, Vascular Networks, and Immunosuppressive Cells.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a critical factor in cancer progression, driving tumor growth, immune evasion, therapeutic resistance, and metastasis. Understanding the dynamic interactions within the TME is essential for advancing cancer management. Molecular imaging provides a non-invasive, real-time, and longitudinal approach to studying the TME, with techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fluorescence imaging offering complementary strengths, including high sensitivity, spatial resolution, and intraoperative precision. Recent advances in imaging probe development have enhanced the ability to target and monitor specific components of the TME, facilitating early cancer diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring, and deeper insights into tumor biology. By integrating these innovations, molecular imaging offers transformative potential for precision oncology, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes through a comprehensive assessment of TME dynamics.