Molecular Imaging in the Era of Personalized Medicine

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Abstract

CLINICAL IMAGING AND PATHOLOGY

Clinical imaging is the art (and technique) of creating visual representations of the interior of a body for clinical assessment of disease. Although distinctly separate disciplines, clinical imaging and pathology actually overlap substantially in their roles in medical practice, i.e., both are used to detect and diagnose diseases, identify therapeutic targets, and predict treatment responses and patient outcomes. As such, the routine diagnostic workflows for patients with various diseases are deeply depen­dent on both imaging and pathology. The hallmark of the pathologist’s trade is to reveal abnormalities in tissues removed from the body using a microscope. Similarly, medical imaging specialists visualize and assess abnormal lesions in living bodies using specialized instruments. Depending on the type of signal picked up from the body interior, these instruments include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, gamma scintigraphy, and positron emission tomography (PET).

Imaging and pathology contribute substantially to clinical practice by providing diagnoses and monitoring disease progression. Today, we are witnessing a radical shift in the way diseases are managed: from the present one­fits­all approach to one that delivers medical care tailored to the needs of individual patients [1]. This includes the detection of disease predisposition, early diagnosis, prognosis assessment, measurement of drug efficacy and disease monitoring. A crucial key for the success of this new healthcare paradigm is powerful molecular diagnostics [2]. Thus, the introduction of personalized medicine is creating an unprecedented opportunity for new technology development in fields of diagnostic medicine including pathology and imaging. The essence of diagnostic medicine in the context of personalized medicine lies in the use of biomarkers, objective indicators of pathogenic processes or pharmacologic effects that can be incorporated to predict or monitor treatment responses. Whereas markers have come mostly from patient tissues or serum, the location and activity of important markers can also be tracked with new imaging technologies. Such imaging tests may characterize diseases and assess treatment efficacy, with the added advantage of noninvasive longitudinal monitoring at multiple time points. The recent explosion of molecular biology and imaging technologies is now allowing quantitative characterization of biological processes inside the body at the molecular and genetic level. This exciting new field is envisioned to transform the future of medicine on a massive scale and have an enormous impact on the advancement of targeted therapies for individualized medicine. This innovative new technique is referred to as “molecular imaging.”

EMERGENCE OF MOLECULAR IMAGING

Molecular imaging emerged amidst the overflowing innovations from new discoveries made in the field of molecular biotechnology. Unlike conventional imaging that relies on visualizing late consequences of pathologic alterations, molecular imaging interrogates the very molecular events that drive disease processes [3,4]. It can thus be defined as “noninvasive imaging and quantification of molecular and biochemical events that occur at the cellular and molecular level in tissues in their normal surroundings inside living bodies.” Noninvasive examination of cells inside living subjects by molecular imaging is critically dependent on biomarker probes that target key proteins linked to disease processes. This is analogous to the dependence of immunohistochemical staining of extracted tissue on special antibodies that bind to proteins­of­interest. In both situations, biomarker probes are used to identify key molecules that provide a more complete diagnostic picture for the referring physician (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1.

Similarity of molecular imaging and pathology in utilizing probes to contribute to personalized medicine.

The clinical benefits of molecular imaging are immense. At the top of the list is the promise of early disease detection and prediction of treatment response, which will lead to optimal therapies for individual patients. Molecular imaging is already having a substantial impact on therapeutic decisions made by clinicians, and this will be even more apparent as individualized treatment becomes the norm of clinical practice. Another important contribution will be in drug development, which typically requires expensive and prolonged preclinical and clinical trials to bring new drugs to market. Molecular imaging has the ability to noninvasively monitor the pharmacokinetic properties and pharmacodynamic changes of candidate drugs in the living body [5]. This can substantially shorten the development phase of drug production for the pharmaceutical industry by assessing drug response substantially earlier than by using anatomic criteria.

MOLECULAR IMAGING PROBES

Deriving noninvasive information regarding molecular events within the body can be done by tracking the temporal and spatial distribution of a marker probe that has high target specificity and behaves favorably in vivo. Therefore, the first and most pivotal step in molecular imaging research is the design and synthesis of superior probes that can interrogate important molecular targets [6]. Such probes are fundamentally different from contrast agents that are used in conventional imaging, which are nonspecific agents that increase the contrast of the blood pool. Molecular imaging probes are beacons that depict and enhance epitopes of key proteins that would otherwise be impossible to distinguish from surrounding tissue. Molecular imaging probes thus consist of a targeting component and a signaling component. Targeting moieties have traditionally been based on small molecules. More recently, however, advancements have introduced new classes of molecular imaging probes, including peptides, proteins, antibodies, aptamers, affibodies, and nanoparticles. Direction of the moieties to target molecules is provided by specific ligands that are included as part of the agents or are surface­decorated. A signaling component is conjugated or labeled to the moieties so that they can be detected from outside of the body. Signals emitted can be radioactive, magnetic, echogenic, luminescent or fluorescent (Fig. 2A). Ideal molecular imaging probes should have low nonspecific binding, high selectivity for the process­of­interest, high in vivo stability, and favorable in vivo pharmacokinetics. They should also have a good safety profile so that clinical translation is possible.

Fig. 2.

Basic principles of molecular imaging. (A) Molecular imaging probes containing targeting components that interact with molecules-of-interest and signaling components that allow detection from outside of the body. (B) Representative small animal-dedicated molecular imaging devices that visualize signals emitted from probes within the living bodies of animal models. PET-CT, positron emission tomography–computed tomography; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.

MOLECULAR IMAGING INSTRUMENTS

The second requirement for molecular imaging is specialized instruments that detect signals from probes in sensitive and accurate manners. Depending on the type of signal, modalities used in the clinic include CT, MRI, ultrasonography, optical imaging devices, gamma scintigraphy, and PET (Fig. 2B). Among these, clinical molecular imaging has traditionally been the domain of nuclear medicine. Indeed, molecular imaging has been in clinics for some time in the form of radionuclide imaging. Radioactive probes can track specific molecules in living bodies in a safe and hyper­sensitive manner. PET is already an indispensable clinical imaging tool and is the most mature molecular imaging technique in routine clinical use [7].

PET has superior sensitivity and spatial resolution over gamma scintigraphy. It also has quantitative capabilities and high tissue penetration depth, making it the preferred molecular imaging modality in the clinic. The signaling component of PET probes is composed of positron­emitting radioisotopes including ¹⁸F, ¹¹C, and ¹⁵O, which are the major constituents of the building blocks of life. The positrons decay with a relatively short physical half­life of minutes to hours, and immediately collide with an electron to annihilate into two photons. These two photons proceed in exactly opposite trajectories but with identical energies, which makes it possible to pinpoint their location with high accuracy. Unlike PET, gamma scintigraphy detects probes that emit gamma­ray photons. Although more affordable than PET, it is less sensitive and has lower spatial resolution. Because PET can provide truly quantitative molecular information and is readily applicable to humans, it is a major driver of personalized medicine [7].

Other imaging modalities are also speedily entering into molecular imaging research. Magnetic resonance (MR) is a versatile modality that uses powerful magnets and radiofrequency signals to provide images with high temporal and spatial resolution. MR images have excellent tissue contrast with an unlimited depth of tissue penetration and can simultaneously acquire anatomical structure and physiological function information. Limitations include weak magnetic signals and relatively low sensitivity, which requires administration of contrast agents and signal amplification strategies. Ferromagnetic agents such as super­paramagnetic iron oxide reduce signals in T2­weighted images (negative contrast), whereas paramagnetic agents such as gadolinium–diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid increase signals in T1­weighted images (positive contrast). MR probes have been developed that can interrogate molecular processes in a small number of cells [8]. A major problem for clinical translation of most of these techniques, however, is the issue of potential toxicity that arises from the relatively large doses of probe administration required.

CT provides 3­dimensional X­ray images of structural anatomy. Although iodinated contrast agents improve soft tissue contrast, they require large quantities and are not target­specific. In this sense, CT does not fit in the list of bonafide molecular imaging methods. However, recent small animal dedicated micro­CT instruments have provided ultra­high resolution, and have transformed preclinical CT from visualization of the organ level to the molecular level [9]. CT is usually combined with PET for molecular imaging. Recent developments in CT contrast agents offer increasing potential, but further studies will be required to explore its molecular imaging capability.

Optical imaging is based on light signals emitted from fluorescent or bioluminescent probes. It is safe, has high sensitivity, and is widely available. The main disadvantage is that low photon energies limit the penetration depth to a few centimeters, which makes it unsuitable for clinical use except for surface targets. However, this is not a problem for small experimental animals, where it is widely used for preclinical research and drug development [10]. Bioluminescence imaging exploits photons produced by enzymatic reaction of luciferase with its substrate. Several types of enzymes, including Firefly, Renilla and Gaussia luciferase, each require different conditions for reaction. Since mammalian tissues do not have endogenous bioluminescence, luminescent imaging has excellent signal to background ratios. Fluorescence imaging takes advantage of fluorescent signals that are typically emitted from genetically encoded reporter proteins. A celebrated example is the Nobel­prize winning green fluorescence protein reporter. Fluorescence imaging can also be employed by administering fluorophore­tagged probes to visualize molecular events in living cells. The strengths of fluorescence imaging include low cost, potential for multiplexed imaging, and, in the case of reporter protein, no need for probe administration.

EXAMPLES OF MOLECULAR IMAGING TECHNIQUES

While a vast number of molecular imaging techniques are in preclinical development or in the process of clinical translation, several have already entered the clinical arena. These techniques tend to use radiolabeled probes, which is due to their superior sensitivity and high safety profile. PET using radiolabeled fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), a glucose analogue avidly taken up by cancer cells, is by far the most widely employed clinical molecular imaging test. FDG PET has virtually revolutionized cancer management, including tumor diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of treatment response [7]. Other examples include PET using radiolabeled ¹⁸F­fluorothymidine, a thymine analogue biomarker of cell proliferation, and PET using radiolabeled Pittsburgh compound B, a biomarker of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition, a vast list of newer molecular imaging techniques are in the process of clinical translation for evaluation of malignant, neurologic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases. In keeping with the overall molecular imaging development process illustrated in Fig. 3, various novel imaging targets have been identified for which arrays of imaging biomarkers are being designed and synthesized. Following verification of targetspecific binding and favorable in vivo pharmacokinetics, the probes are then tested for efficacy in preclinical animal models and finally in human subjects. As it is impossible to touch on all of these new techniques, which number in the hundreds, we will briefly look at just three examples among the many new molecular imaging techniques that are anticipated to contribute to personalized medicine. For other areas of molecular imaging, readers are asked to refer to the many excellent reviews on specific subjects.

Fig. 3.

The overall process of molecular imaging research, which is similar to that of new drug development.

Tumor receptor imaging

The next decade will see an individual’s tumor biology characterized at the molecular level by noninvasive imaging applications. An example is imaging of tumor receptor expression to identify promising therapeutic targets and delineate pharmacologic effects. The ability to measure receptor expression by imaging rather than by histologic inspection has the advantages of noninvasiveness, ability to assess sites difficult to sample, and potential for serial monitoring over time or after drug treatment. Importantly, it also allows assessment of the entire disease burden and avoids sampling errors from biopsies when receptor expression is heterogeneous. Overexpression of growth factor receptors in cancers leads to aberrant stimulation of growth signaling pathways, and their evaluation may thus help predict the efficacy of targeted drugs.

Growth receptors have high binding affinities and can become saturated by even small molar quantities of binding ligands. Therefore, imaging probes need to have especially high signal density. The most success has been achieved with probes based on receptor­specific ligands or antibodies [11]. In comparison, probes based on tyrosine kinase inhibitors are challenging due to the ubiquity of tyrosine kinase expression and the requirement for intracellular transport. Radiolabeled fragments of trastuzumab have shown feasibility for imaging regional HER2 expression in animal models [12]. Our group demonstrated high­contrast epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor imaging using a quantum dot probe multiplexed with EGF as a ligand for high affinity binding and radiolabels for scintigraphic imaging [13]. The technique was able to discriminate high from low receptor expression and monitor tumor response to targeted treatment (Fig. 4). Other studies include imaging of estrogen receptors and somatostatin receptors [11]. Similar technologies may be transferable to human subjects in the near future to monitor the adequacy of targeted anti­cancer therapies.

Fig. 4.

Example of tumor receptor imaging. (A) Quantum dot (QDot) probe surface-conjugated with epidermal growth factor (EGF) for targeting and radioisotopes for signaling. (B) A human breast cancer xenograft shows high probe uptake at baseline that is blocked by cetuximab therapy (Tx). (C) Tumor tissue sections show co-localization of fluorescent signals from the QDot with that from fluorescent-conjugated antibodies against EGF receptors (EGFR), indicating receptor-specific probe targeting.

Angiogenesis imaging

Many pathologic processes involve inflammatory and ischemic responses that stimulate signaling for angiogenesis and apoptosis. Progression of tumor growth is highly dependent on remodeling of the vascular network through angiogenesis, as is the healing process following ischemic injury. As such, angiogenesis is receiving a large amount of attention as a potential target for treating tumors as well as ischemic diseases. Because the response to such targeted therapies cannot be readily assessed by conventional methods, there is a need for an imaging biomarker that can visualize and monitor changes in angiogenesis over time.

Potential biologic targets for angiogenesis imaging include markers of activated endothelial cells and extracellular matrix [14,15]. Among various targets, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptors and matrix metalloproteinases, the most successful to date is the αvβ3 integrin receptor, a member of a family of heterodimeric cell­surface receptors highly up­regulated at sites of neovascularization. These receptors recognize the tripeptide Arg­Gly­Asp (RGD) sequence as their binding motif. Hence, a large series of cyclic RGD­containing peptide compounds have been synthesized, labeled with different radioisotopes or fluorophores, and characterized as probes for angiogenesis imaging [14,15]. Our lab developed a radiolabeled RGD probe with high affinity binding to αvβ3 integrin, and imaging in mice showed high contrast tumor uptake that was reduced by anti­angiogenic treatment in a manner correlating to reduced integrin expression and tumor growth retardation [16]. In addition, we were among the first to show that RGD imaging can also monitor angiogenic responses of ischemic limbs [17] and myocardial tissue (Figs. 5, 6). More recently, RGD PET has been moving toward clinical translation [15], with clinical studies taking place in Europe that are showing the feasibility and safety of radiolabeled galacto­RGD and AH111585 for delineating integrin­positive tumors. Furthermore, clinical studies with radiolabeled FPPRGD2 have demonstrated good lesion contrast in cancer patients.

Fig. 5.

Example of angiogenesis imaging. (A) Cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide probes can interrogate αvβ3 integrin receptors overexpressed on activated endothelial cells. (B–D) Examples of a xenografted tumor-bearing mouse model (B), a hindlimb ischemia mouse model (C), and a myocardial infarction rat model (D) showing increased uptake of radiolabeled RGD probes in lesions with angiogenesis.

Fig. 6.

Example of apoptosis imaging. (A) Annexin-V (AnxV) based probes target phosphatidyl serine exposed to the surface of cells that are undergoing apoptotic death. Here, AnxV is bound to streptavidin conjugated with PECy5.5 for fluorescent signaling. (B, C) In vivo fluorescent images of hindlimbs of living mice (supine with torso covered to block background signals; B) and ex vivo images of extracted tissue (C). Probe uptake is significantly increased in the ischemic hindlimb of the diabetic mouse due to apoptosis.

FUTURE PERSPECTIVES AND CONCLUSION

Molecular imaging enables dynamic and quantitative visualization of specific biochemical and molecular events in living bodies. In recent years, this new technology has seen progress in early diagnosis, curative effect monitoring, and drug development. Many of these roles are similar to those pursued by molecular pathology, indicating significant overlap in mission and research agenda. Therefore, reinforcement of this trend may offer substantial synergic collaboration between pathologists and molecular imaging specialists, and pooling resources and strategic goals will have a powerful multiplier effect on future medicine.

In conclusion, molecular imaging has emerged as a young but powerful new discipline. This paradigm shift in clinical imaging requires the rapid implementation of new validated imaging biomarkers. Although many aspects of molecular imaging are still in the early stages of development, the long­range idea is that medical professionals will be able to utilize the techniques to improve diagnoses, make better treatment choices, and predict patient outcomes. We foresee that the next decade will see even greater technological advances in molecular imaging methods, which in turn, will have a large impact on personalized medicine.

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