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(Radiology. 2001;219:316-333.)
© RSNA, 2001


Special Review

Molecular Imaging1

Ralph Weissleder, MD, PhD and Umar Mahmood, MD, PhD

1 From the Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Bldg 149, Rm 5403, Charlestown, MA 02129. From the 2000 RSNA scientific assembly. Received July 10, 2000; revision requested September 1; revision received October 10; accepted November 1. Address correspondence to R.W. (e-mail: weissleder@helix.mgh.harvard.edu).

The term molecular imaging can be broadly defined as the in vivo characterization and measurement of biologic processes at the cellular and molecular level. In contradistinction to "classical" diagnostic imaging, it sets forth to probe the molecular abnormalities that are the basis of disease rather than to image the end effects of these molecular alterations. While the underlying biology represents a new arena for many radiologists, concomitant efforts such as development of novel agents, signal amplification strategies, and imaging technologies clearly dovetail with prior research efforts of our specialty. Radiologists will play a leading role in directing developments of this embryonic but burgeoning field. This article presents some recent developments in molecular sciences and medicine and shows how imaging can be used, at least experimentally, to assess specific molecular targets. In the future, specific imaging of such targets will allow earlier detection and characterization of disease, earlier and direct molecular assessment of treatment effects, and a more fundamental understanding of the disease process.

Index terms: Molecular analysis • Radiology and radiologists, research • Review




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