The detection of programmed cell death or apoptosis in tumors plays a pivotal role in clinical research, particularly in evaluating the effectiveness of cancer therapies. As apoptosis is a primary mechanism by which treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies exert their effects, its measurement serves as a critical biomarker for therapeutic response [1]. Accurate quantification of apoptosis in tumors is crucial for understanding cancer progression and treatment. As a key cellular process, apoptosis is often disrupted in cancer, leading to the prolonged survival of malignant cells and unchecked tumor growth [2]. Analyzing apoptotic pathways helps identify defects that contribute to cancer development, metastasis, and drug resistance. This knowledge enables the targeting of apoptotic regulators, offering potential for novel therapies that can induce tumor cell death and overcome resistance. Monitoring apoptosis also aids in evaluating treatment effectiveness and personalizing cancer care, ultimately improving patient outcomes [3, 4]. The advent of noninvasive imaging techniques has significantly enhanced the ability to monitor apoptosis in real time [5], providing a more dynamic understanding of how tumors respond to treatment without the need for repeated biopsies, thereby minimizing patient discomfort and risk. NIRF imaging represents a significant improvement over traditional imaging methods by offering real-time, intraoperative visualization with fluorescent contrast agents in the near-infrared spectrum (700–900 nm) [5]. This approach enhances anatomical navigation and identification of vital structures that traditional methods may not visualize as effectively. NIRF imaging provides more precise, immediate feedback, aiding in critical decision-making during clinical procedures. This chapter provides an in-depth examination of advanced NIRF imaging techniques for detecting tumor apoptosis (Table 7.1). It begins by exploring Annexin V protein-conjugated probes, which specifically bind to phosphatidylserine, a key marker of apoptotic cells. The chapter discusses the development and application of NIRF-labeled Annexin V probes, showcasing their effectiveness in visualizing apoptosis in tumor models and various other medical conditions. The chapter also evaluates several NIRF probes designed to visualize caspase activity and concludes by highlighting the significant potential of these imaging techniques in monitoring cancer therapy efficacy and optimizing therapeutic strategies.

NIRF Imaging of Apoptosis

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发表日期：

2025年

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Li Liu,
Tianyuan Wang

摘要

The detection of programmed cell death or apoptosis in tumors plays a pivotal role in clinical research, particularly in evaluating the effectiveness of cancer therapies. As apoptosis is a primary mechanism by which treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies exert their effects, its measurement serves as a critical biomarker for therapeutic response [1]. Accurate quantification of apoptosis in tumors is crucial for understanding cancer progression and treatment. As a key cellular process, apoptosis is often disrupted in cancer, leading to the prolonged survival of malignant cells and unchecked tumor growth [2]. Analyzing apoptotic pathways helps identify defects that contribute to cancer development, metastasis, and drug resistance. This knowledge enables the targeting of apoptotic regulators, offering potential for novel therapies that can induce tumor cell death and overcome resistance. Monitoring apoptosis also aids in evaluating treatment effectiveness and personalizing cancer care, ultimately improving patient outcomes [3, 4]. The advent of noninvasive imaging techniques has significantly enhanced the ability to monitor apoptosis in real time [5], providing a more dynamic understanding of how tumors respond to treatment without the need for repeated biopsies, thereby minimizing patient discomfort and risk. NIRF imaging represents a significant improvement over traditional imaging methods by offering real-time, intraoperative visualization with fluorescent contrast agents in the near-infrared spectrum (700–900 nm) [5]. This approach enhances anatomical navigation and identification of vital structures that traditional methods may not visualize as effectively. NIRF imaging provides more precise, immediate feedback, aiding in critical decision-making during clinical procedures. This chapter provides an in-depth examination of advanced NIRF imaging techniques for detecting tumor apoptosis (Table 7.1). It begins by exploring Annexin V protein-conjugated probes, which specifically bind to phosphatidylserine, a key marker of apoptotic cells. The chapter discusses the development and application of NIRF-labeled Annexin V probes, showcasing their effectiveness in visualizing apoptosis in tumor models and various other medical conditions. The chapter also evaluates several NIRF probes designed to visualize caspase activity and concludes by highlighting the significant potential of these imaging techniques in monitoring cancer therapy efficacy and optimizing therapeutic strategies.