Molecular Imaging with MRI: Potential Application in Pancreatic Cancer

Figure 2

Targeted molecular MRI probes for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (PC). Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) or paramagnetic metal complexes (Gd- or Mn-based contrast agents) are loaded in biocompatible nanoparticles that molecularly target the surface and are suitable at the nanoscale levels (d = 10~100 nm). The nanocomposites can reach the tumor tissue through tumor blood vessel clearance and target and bind tumor cells to alter the signal intensity of the tumor tissue on MRI.