piccole molecole fluorescenti nel bioimaging del cancro: potenti strumenti non invasivi per la diagnosi precoce e le terapie mirate

Cancer is a multifactorial disease that originates in any organ or tissue and develops through the proliferation and inappropriate growth of cells. Cancer cells then form a tumor mass which can invade adjacent tissues and enter the bloodstream, initiating metastasization. Metastatization is defined as the process by which cells detach from the primary tissue to colonize new organs, being one of the leading causes of cancer death and leading to genomic mutations, activation of oncogenes and silencing of onco-suppressors. It is imperative to recognize that cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, underscoring the urgency and need for intervention strategies aimed at prevention and therapy. In this context, bioimaging is of great importance due to its capability to highlight tumor processes occurring at the molecular level by using fluorophores. This ability allows visualization and precise intervention against the tumor. The use of fluorescent molecules has proven effective in facilitating cancer diagnosis and screening, guided surgery, and the development of targeted therapies. In recent years, precise, sensitive and non-invasive fluorescent small organic molecules have been developed and used as molecular probes for the detection of specific molecular tumor biomarkers. Those include the TBM-V probe, which responds to increased viscosity in the tumor environment by emitting fluorescence in the NIR spectrum. The sensitivity and stability of the probe also make it effective for anti-tumor drug monitoring. Other molecules as Cy-2RGD, derived from indocyanine green (the only fluorescent agent currently approved by the FDA) are probes able to specifically bind integrin ανβ3, overexpressed in the tumor environment, thanks to the introduction of specific peptides into the chemical structure. Another type of molecule, TPEQHA, with AIE properties, is capable of emitting fluorescence when it interacts with its ligand, such as alkaline phosphatase, which is also overexpressed in tumors. These molecules represent key examples of fluorophores which can serve as a powerful tool for cancer bioimaging, clinical applications, and personalized therapies, with the potential to enhance the quality of life of affected patients.