An introduction to molecular imaging in radiation oncology: A report by the AAPM Working Group on Molecular Imaging in Radiation Oncology (WGMIR). Issue 10 (30th September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Munley, Michael T.; Kagadis, George C.; McGee, Kiaran P.; Kirov, Assen S.; Jang, Sunyoung; Mutic, Sasa; Jeraj, Robert; Xing, Lei; Bourland, J. Daniel
• Is Part Of: Medical physics. Volume 40:Issue 10(2013)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2013-09-30
• Subjects: Optical imaging of neuronal activity -- Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) -- Positron emission tomography (PET) -- Ultrasonography -- Magnetic resonance imaging; biochemistry -- biomedical MRI -- biomedical optical imaging -- biomedical ultrasonics -- cancer -- cellular biophysics -- genetics -- positron emission tomography -- radioisotopes -- radiology -- single photon emission computed tomography -- tumours; molecular imaging -- functional imaging -- oncologic imaging -- radiation therapy; Involving electronic [emr] or nuclear [nmr] magnetic resonance, e.g. magnetic resonance imaging -- Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves -- Biochemistry; Beer; Spirits; Wine; Vinegar; Microbiology; Enzymology; Mutation or genetic engineering -- Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers -- Scintigraphy -- Measuring radioactive content of objects, e.g. contamination (whole‐body counters G01T011/63) -- Measuring half‐life of a radioactive substance; Medical imaging -- Cancer -- Ultrasonography -- Tissues -- Photons -- Radiation treatment -- Single photon emission computed tomography -- Positron emission tomography -- Magnetic resonance imaging -- Dosimetry; Medical physics -- Periodicals; Medical physics; Geneeskunde; Natuurkunde; Toepassingen; Biophysics; Periodicals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610.153
• DOI: 10.1118/1.4819818
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-2405

Abstract

Abstract : Molecular imaging is the direct or indirect noninvasive monitoring and recording of the spatial and temporal distribution of in vivo molecular, genetic, and/or cellular processes for biochemical, biological, diagnostic, or therapeutic applications. Molecular images that indicate the presence of malignancy can be acquired using optical, ultrasonic, radiologic, radionuclide, and magnetic resonance techniques. For the radiation oncology physicist in particular, these methods and their roles in molecular imaging of oncologic processes are reviewed with respect to their physical bases and imaging characteristics, including signal intensity, spatial scale, and spatial resolution. Relevant molecular terminology is defined as an educational assist. Current and future clinical applications in oncologic diagnosis and treatment are discussed. National initiatives for the development of basic science and clinical molecular imaging techniques and expertise are reviewed, illustrating research opportunities in as well as the importance of this growing field.