Vascular-targeted imaging using MRI

Target specific MRI poses special opportunities and challenges. Although MRI can provide exquisite morphologic details, its relatively low sensitivity has severely hampered the development of target-specific contrast agents that can provide enough signal alteration to be detectable in vivo. In this review, we will present our data on the development of polymerized vesicles for use in vascular-targeted imaging using MRI. Because of the high amount of payload that can be carried to the target site via these particles, they can be detectable with MRI. In addition, the same platform can be used for delivering multiple different types of contrast ions as well as therapeutic agents to vascular target sites. We believe that by using the same platform for imaging and therapy, we can have an accurate way of personalizing treatment.