Molecular imaging techniques in magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear imaging

The identification of genetic and biochemical changes allows a more conclus ive characterization and classification of disease. Up to now this informat ion is mostly obtained through in vitro analysis after resection or biopsy by immunohistopathology and molecular biology. There is a definite need for non-invasive detection and repeated monitoring of such changes in experime ntal research as well as in clinical trials. Therefore, it is necessary to develop radiological imaging techniques that not only visualize morphologic and physiologic alterations, but track genetic and biochemical processes. This short review reports some of the various ongoing research projects tha t address this problem and provide some very promising approaches.