Table 1 Comparison of non-invasive imaging procedures for cancer detection
From: Detection of cancer cells using SapC-DOPS nanovesicles
Imaging method | Benefits | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
Optical Imaging | Fluorescently labeled probes may be sensitive and specific | Limited depth, may be too specific, may require a visit to inject the probe with a follow-up visit to detect where it binds |
Computed Tomography (CT) | Fast, highly detailed | Exposure to ionizing radiation, may not be able to differentiate tumor from other lesions, may not detect small tumors, may require potentially toxic contrast agents, not ideal modality for brain tumor detection |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) | Used for detection of brain tumors, no radiation exposure for patient | Prolonged acquisition time, metal implants preclude this technique, requires potentially toxic contrast agents |
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) | Better than CT or MRI for nodal or distant metastases | Poor special resolution, inferior for detection of primary tumors, cannot detect brain tumors, use of FDG impacted in diabetics, exposure to ionizing radiation |