Molecular Imaging of Novel Cell- and Viral-Based Therapies

The molecular imaging literature is increasing in volume and quality, and particularly so in the area of novel therapies. Nonetheless, the basic principles of imaging therapies remain simple, at least until the next innovation wipes away current constructs. With a large body of literature available, clear trends are emerging, such as the preference for loading technologies in cell-based therapies, and for genetic modification in viral-based therapies. Human use of these technologies is on the horizon, as the logic of therapeutic development inexorably drives clinical trials and molecular imaging together. Molecular imaging will transform molecular therapeutics, likely be transformed itself, and medicine will become new, and better for patients.