Figure 2

Quantitative molecular imaging can predict response to anti-angiogenic therapy. CMR molecular imaging of atherosclerotic rabbits treated with α_νβ₃-targeted nanoparticles carrying an anti-angiogenic drug, fumagillin, demonstrated signal enhancement in the aortic wall. Follow-up imaging with α_νβ₃-targeted nanoparticles was performed 7 days later to assess residual angiogenic activity in the vessel. Quantitation of enhancement at the time of treatment was related to the amount of drug delivered to the growing atherosclerotic plaques and correlated to the change in signal 7 days after treatment. Sections of the abdominal aorta with the highest signal enhancement at the time of α_νβ₃-targeted fumagillin nanoparticle treatment showed the greatest reduction in α_νβ₃-integrin expression assessed 1 week later. Reprinted with permission from Winter, et al [56].