Molecular Imaging: The New Frontier for Endoscopic Diagnosis and Personalization in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Molecular endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has made the translation from preclinical studies to clinical trials. The so far performed in vivo studies, using fluorescent antibodies, have addressed areas of heightened clinical interest with unmet needs. These include the distribution of targeted therapies within the mucosa, which could elucidate the most fitting dosing for the individual patient, the mode of action of currently used treatments, and subsequently also the prediction of therapeutic response. Altogether, molecular endoscopy might enable us to base individualized therapeutic decisions on preceded in vivo molecular analysis to optimize treatment in IBD.

Keywords: Fluorescence; Fluorescent antibody; IBD; Molecular endoscopy; Molecular imaging; Mucosa; Prediction of response; Target cell.