Magnetic resonance imaging of tumor-associated-macrophages (TAMs) with a nanoparticle contrast agent.

ABSTRACT: In the tumor micro-environment, tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) represent a predominant component of the total tumor mass, and TAMs play a complex and diverse role in cancer pathogenesis with potential for either tumor suppressive, or tumor promoting biology. Thus, understanding macrophage localization and function are essential for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Typically, tissue biopsy is used to evaluate the density and polarization of TAMs, but provides a limited "snapshot" in time of a dynamic and potentially heterogeneous tumor immune microenvironment. Imaging has the potential for three-dimensional mapping; however, there is a paucity of macrophage-targeted contrast agents to specifically detect TAM subtypes. We have previously found that sulfated-dextran coated iron oxide nano

SUBMITTER: Zhou J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8982161 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature