Applications of Nanotechnology and Molecular Imaging in Cancer

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past several decades, the integration of nanotechnology and molecular imaging has reshaped how cancer is studied from isolated cells to whole organisms. Early imaging strategies largely reported on anatomy or bulk signal, but the development of nanomaterials, targeted probes, and quantitative imaging methods now supports interrogation of cell behavior, interactions within the tumor microenvironment, and treatment response across in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models. Engineered nanosystems can label specific cell populations, sense enzymatic activity or pH, report on receptor engagement, or alter local biophysical properties, which together provide a richer view of cancer biology.

Nanomaterials with controlled composition and architecture serve as carriers for contrast agents or drugs, scaffolds for cell tracking, and platforms for stimuli responsive imaging or therapy. Molecular imaging approaches, including MRI, PET and SPECT, optical and photoacoustic imaging, ultrasound, and multimodal combinations, can be used to map these probes in real time, quantify molecular targets, and monitor pharmacokinetics at the cellular and tissue level. These integrated strategies enable studies of signaling pathways, DNA and RNA delivery, immune cell recruitment, vascular remodeling, and mechanisms of resistance, and they create opportunities for imaging guided diagnosis and treatment planning.

In this Special Issue, we invite original research and thorough reviews that advance understanding of these technologies and their applications in cancer biology. Submissions may involve studies in cultured cells, engineered tissues, organotypic platforms, small animal models, or other systems that clarify how these tools illuminate cell behavior or therapeutic action. Work that introduces new probe designs, characterizes nanomaterial interactions with cells, refines quantitative imaging methods, or connects imaging findings to specific biological pathways is encouraged. We are particularly interested in contributions that improve the ability to visualize molecular targets, analyze treatment response, guide drug delivery, or support the development of technologies with potential impact on cancer diagnosis or therapy.

Prof. Dr. Zheng-Rong Lu
Dr. Victoria Laney
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cells is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• contrast agents and mechanisms
• probes
• molecular imaging
• longitudinal imaging
• tumor microenvironment
• nanomaterials
• cell signaling
• cancer therapy
• intracellular pathways
• imaging-guided treatment