title: Novel molecular imaging in lung and pleural diseases.
abstract: Molecular imaging provides an opportunity to study biological processes in vivo. Specific molecular 'probes' are labelled with radioactive tracers, and imaging is carried out using either PET or gamma-cameras. The imaging is quantitative, and therefore the activity of a specific biological process (e.g. metabolism or proliferation) can be numerically assessed, which may be important for prognosis or therapy monitoring. The use of molecular imaging may lead to the development of a 'molecular profile' of a disease, therefore facilitating individualization of therapy and rational treatment approaches. This review article summarizes the most commonly used molecular imaging agents and their role in lung and pleural diseases. This is a rapidly developing field as new targets and imaging probes are being developed and as their clinical roles are being established.
authors: Department of Nuclear Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia. rfrancis@meddent.uwa.edu.au
authors: Roslyn
authors: R
authors: Francis
authors: Tatiana
authors: T
authors: Segard
authors: Laurence
authors: L
authors: Morandeau
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D005720:Gamma Rays; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D057054:Molecular Imaging / Q000379:methods; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18