Application of Cherenkov radiation in tumor imaging and treatment

Cherenkov radiation (CR) is the characteristic blue glow that is generated during radiotherapy or radioisotope decay. Its distribution and intensity naturally reflect the actual dose and field of radiotherapy and the location of radioisotope imaging agents in vivo. Therefore, CR can represent a potential in situ light source for radiotherapy monitoring and radioisotope-based tumor imaging. When used in combination with new imaging techniques, molecular probes or nanomedicine, CR imaging exhibits unique advantages (accuracy, low cost, convenience and fast) in tumor radiotherapy monitoring and imaging. Furthermore, photosensitive nanomaterials can be used for CR photodynamic therapy, providing new approaches for integrating tumor imaging and treatment. Here the authors review the latest developments in the use of CR in tumor research and discuss current challenges and new directions for future studies.Cherenkov radiation (CR) is the characteristic blue glow that is generated during radiotherapy (a common treatment that uses radiation to kill cancer cells) or radioisotope decay (the process that emits radiation from radioisotopes). CR can be used for monitoring the dose and dose distribution of radiotherapy to prevent radiotherapy-related adverse events. In addition, radioisotope-induced CR can be used as a light source for locating the tumor region for tumor imaging. With a combination of imaging techniques, molecular probes and nanomedicine, CR exhibits huge potential and unique advantages (accuracy, low cost, convenience and fast) in tumor radiotherapy monitoring and imaging. Furthermore, some photosensitive nanomaterials have been developed to absorb CR to generate reactive oxygen species, which can result in cell death. This therapeutic strategy is known as CR photodynamic therapy. CR photodynamic therapy is available to integrate with radiotherapy or tumor imaging, providing new approaches for tumor diagnosis and treatment. Here the authors review the latest developments in the use of CR in tumor research and discuss current challenges and new directions for future studies.