Table 1 Functional and molecular imaging methods
From: Molecular imaging as a tool for translating breast cancer science
Modality | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
Magnetic resonance | ||
   Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) | High spatial resolution and image detail | Confined space |
| Â | Increasing range of contrast agents under development | Contrast design limited by need for magnetic atom |
   Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) | Can measure wide range of molecules | Limited spatial resolution |
| Â | No contrast needed | Challenging to get high quality spectra in routine imaging |
Radionuclide imaging | ||
   Positron emission tomography (PET) | Wide range of molecular imaging probes | Limited spatial resolution |
| Â | Tracer imaging without perturbing biological system | Some radiation exposure |
   Single photon emission tomography (SPECT) | Similar to PET | Less quantitatively accurate than PET |
| Â | Probes more widely available | Â |
Ultrasound, especially with contrast enhancement | Highly portable, inexpensive | Operator dependence |
| Â | Molecular microbubble contrast agents possible | Contrast agents confined to vascular space thus far |
Optical imaging | Highly portable, inexpensive | Limited penetration from surface, limited to relatively superficial sites |
| Â | High spatial resolution possible | Â |