Progress In MRI Visualization Of Cancer Stem Cell

Objective:Tumor stem cell and MR molecular imaging is a research hotspot in recent years. This article mainly reviews the research and development of MRI visualization of cancer stem cell.Methods:The article related to cytological markers and MR tracer technology of cancer stem cell from PubMed and CNKI database between 1997 and 2013 were retrieved by computer with the key words of "cancer stem cell, magnetic resonance imaging, tracer technique" in Chinese and English. Finally 85 articles were included.Result:Cancer stem cell can be screened and isolated by surface specific markers. The researchers often use magnetic nanoparticles to mark the tumor stem cells. So magnetic resonance imaging can successfully detect it. With MRI we can observe cells survival, proliferation, migration and other biological processes well.Conclusion:Stem cell tracer technique is a research hotspot at present. Tumor stem cell has unlimited proliferation and multiple differentiation potential, plays an important role in the formation of tumor and the maintenance of tumor growth, metastasis, recurrence. The researchers often use surface specific markers to identify and isolate tumor stem cells. In order to be detected by the MR, cancer stem cells need to be marked. The commonly used contrast agent is magnetic nanoparticles. MR imaging plays an important role in the tracer and positioning of tumor stem cells. With MRI we can observe cells survival, proliferation, migration and other biological processes in near real-time. The technique of MRI visualization of cancer stem cells also provides a theoretical basis for tumor targeting therapy and noninvasive tracking the behavior of tumor stem cells in vivo. The current related research is still in the basic stages.