Bottom-Up Approach: a Route for Effective Multi-modal Imaging of Tumors

The preoperative diagnosis and accurate location of tumor margins is an important element to consider during operation. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop tumor targeting imaging probes and multi-parametric imaging methods. In addition to this, with rapid development of multi-modal imaging, the construction of imaging nanoprobes based on molecular biology, nanomaterials, and molecular imaging increases the possibility for specific tissue imaging. This multi-modal imaging, combined with a wide range of imaging techniques, integrates their advantages and overcomes the limitation of a single imaging model, which can finally improve clinical imaging specificity and sensitivity. Meanwhile, it also builds a foundation for more accurate localization of tumors in the future.

This Research Topic will thus seek to communicate and advance novel techniques used to diagnose tumors in the intersection between surgical, chemistry, technology, and research specialties. We welcome all researchers to share their experience in the form of Original Research and Review articles to improve preoperative and intraoperative diagnosis of tumors. Articles should address, but not limited to, the following themes:

I. Surgical guidance, workflow, and outcomes to improve preoperative and intraoperative diagnosis of tumors
II. Diagnostic and treatment interventions using advanced techniques such as:
a. Novel tumor targeting imaging probes
b. Multi-imaging labelling (e.g. MRI, CT, PET-CT, fluorescence, and photoacoustic imaging)
c. Multi-parametric imaging (e.g. photoacoustic treatment and photothermal therapy)
d. Artificial intelligence assisted imaging in the pre- and peri-operative setting