Kanderi T, Moore WH, Wendt JA. Molecular imaging in transplantation: basic concepts and strategies for potential application.
Nucl Med Commun 2005;
26:947-55. [PMID:
16208171 DOI:
10.1097/01.mnm.0000183800.89591.2c]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The potential applications of molecular imaging in the clinical arena are diverse and expanding rapidly. One such area of application is transplantation. Currently, biopsy is the gold standard for monitoring allograft well-being after transplantation of organs or tissues. However, biopsies are invasive, associated with morbidity if performed on a routine basis and can potentially miss focal rejection.
AIM
It is notable that none of the existing studies in the literature have examined the possible role of molecular imaging in transplantation-related indications. In this direction, this paper aims to discuss imaging strategies that could be of pertinence in monitoring immune events and improving long-term outcomes after solid organ or tissue transplantation.
METHODS
This paper discusses the currently available direct/surrogate imaging techniques/agents that can be used to detect chemokine receptors/ligands, leucocyte endothelial events and ischaemia-reperfusion injury in transplantation.
CONCLUSION
Molecular imaging methods can non-invasively detect, quantify and monitor immune phenomena, such as rejection or graft-versus-host disease, after transplantation. Molecular imaging could help in targeted biopsy and could improve graft survival by allowing for early intervention with tailored immunosuppressive regimens. Given the unprecedented progress in the field, the potential benefits of molecular imaging to the speciality of organ and tissue transplantation cannot be underestimated.
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