Current Concepts in Multi-Modality Imaging of Solid Tumor Angiogenesis

Abstract

There have been rapid advancements in cancer treatment in recent years, including targeted molecular therapy and the emergence of anti-angiogenic agents, which necessitate the need to quickly and accurately assess treatment response. The ideal tool is robust and non-invasive so that the treatment can be rapidly adjusted or discontinued based on efficacy. Since targeted therapies primarily affect tumor angiogenesis, morphological assessment based on tumor size alone may be insufficient, and other imaging modalities and features may be more helpful in assessing response. This review aims to discuss the biological principles of tumor angiogenesis and the multi-modality imaging evaluation of anti-angiogenic therapeutic responses.