Molecular imaging and pathological diagnostics Indications and course control of targeted therapy

Conventional approaches in oncological therapy, such as surgical resection, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy are not associated with an improvement in survival in many patients with oncological diseases; however, they often cause considerable side effects. The current research in the field of molecular medicine has added a therapeutic approach called targeted therapy. Research and analysis of the literature. Drugs are designed on the basis of the understanding of the pathogenesis of diseases at the molecular level which specifically act on key targets of the respective disease. Microscopic (optical) imaging of surgical specimens including molecular pathological investigations as well as macroscopic (molecular) imaging, have a special impact on the indications and follow-up during targeted therapy. The combined application of these complimentary procedures is called multiscale imaging. The future for individualized therapies with fewer side effects for patients with oncological diseases is promising. Playing important roles are new generation PET/CT devices, the availability of "newer" radionuclides, and the use of proteomics and genomics based on the human genome.