Photoacoustic and thermoacoustic imaging application in cancer early detection and treatment monitoring

Abstract

Laser-based photoacoustic imaging and microwave-based thermoacoustic imaging, combining the advantages of both the high image contrast that results from electromagnetic absorption and the high resolution of ultrasound imaging, could be the next successful generation imaging techniques in biomedical application. It can provide an effective approach of tissue structure and functional images to study the architectures, physiological and pathological properties and metabolisms of biological tissues. This paper is focused on photoacoustic and thermoacoustic imaging application in cancer early detection and treatment monitoring. A unique photoacoustic imaging system was used to detect tumors neovascularization associated with angiogenesis in a rat animal model. We also developed the imaging system to monitor the vascular damage during photodynamic therapy treatment. This method could be potentially used to guide PDT and other phototherapies using vascular changes during treatment to optimize treatment protocols, by choosing appropriate types and doses of photosensitizers, and doses of light. Potentially development of photoacoustic imaging and thermoacoustic imaging to employing in functional and molecular imaging also has been discussed. Especially, these imaging modalities can be further developed by using the contrast agents which modified with tumor-targeting antibodies to realize cancer early detection and cancer target treatment monitoring.