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• Review •
Application of metal-based theranostic magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents in tumor imaging and therapy
SHI Weijun  SUN Hongzan 

Cite this article as: SHI W J, SUN H Z. Application of metal-based theranostic magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents in tumor imaging and therapy[J]. Chin J Magn Reson Imaging, 2025, 16(2): 215-221. DOI:10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.02.035.


[Abstract] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with its excellent spatial resolution and soft tissue contrast, plays a key role in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis evaluation of tumors. MR contrast agents enhance the sensitivity of lesion detection by shortening relaxation times, thereby improving the contrast between lesions and surrounding normal tissues. In recent years, the development of novel theranostic MRI contrast agents has become a research hotspot. Among them, metal-based MRI contrast agents have attracted particular attention due to their unique physicochemical properties, which not only significantly enhance the efficacy of tumor therapy but also provide diverse surface modification strategies. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent advances in metal-based MRI contrast agents in the fields of tumor imaging and therapy. We elaborate on their imaging and therapeutic mechanisms, as well as their applications in the emerging field of "theranostics." Finally, we briefly discuss the major technical bottlenecks and key challenges that need to be addressed in the integration of tumor diagnosis and therapy using metal-based MRI contrast agents. Through a comprehensive review of the application of metal-based MRI contrast agents in integrated diagnosis and therapy for tumors, this review provides theoretical support for the further development of this field and offers valuable insights for future research exploration. With the continuous advancement of nanotechnology, materials science, and biomedicine, metal-based MRI contrast agents are expected to play an even greater role in enhancing tumor diagnostic capabilities and achieving more precise therapeutic effects in the future.
[Keywords] theranostics；magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents；iron oxide；gadolinium；manganese；magnetic resonance imaging

SHI Weijun1   SUN Hongzan2*  

1 The Second Clinical College of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China

2 Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China

Corresponding author: SUN H Z, E-mail: sunhongzan@126.com

Conflicts of interest   None.

Received  2024-12-30
Accepted  2025-02-10
DOI: 10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.02.035
Cite this article as: SHI W J, SUN H Z. Application of metal-based theranostic magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents in tumor imaging and therapy[J]. Chin J Magn Reson Imaging, 2025, 16(2): 215-221. DOI:10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.02.035.

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