Molecular Imaging: Basic Approaches

Molecular imaging is a broad, multidisciplinary field that aims to discover and apply novel molecules (probes) and methods to image normal and pathological biological processes on a cellular and molecular level in vivo. One might think of molecular imaging as performing histology and pathology without harming the subject. The molecular imaging probes that target specific cells, molecules, or biological events are equivalent to the stains and antibodies used in histology and pathology. The imaging technologies and methods provide the means to visualize these probes and report on the in vivo processes. In this chapter, we cover the basic concepts of molecular imaging and show both the advantages and disadvantages of different imaging approaches. Many techniques and probes can be readily used in preclinical trials to study the efficacy of a drug.