Innovative optical imaging strategies for monitoring immunotherapy in the tumor microenvironments

Abstract

Abstract Background The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in cancer progression and response to immunotherapy. Immunotherapy targeting the immune system has emerged as a promising treatment modality, but challenges in understanding the TME limit its efficacy. Optical imaging strategies offer noninvasive, real‐time insights into the interactions between immune cells and the TME. Objective This review assesses the progress of optical imaging technologies in monitoring immunotherapy within the TME and explores their potential applications in clinical trials and personalized cancer treatment. Methods This is a comprehensive literature review based on the advances in optical imaging modalities including fluorescence imaging (FLI), bioluminescence imaging (BLI), and photoacoustic imaging (PAI). These modalities were analyzed for their capacity to provide high‐resolution, real‐time imaging of immune cell dynamics, tumor vasculature, and other critical components of the TME. Results Optical imaging techniques have shown significant potential in tracking immune cell infiltration, assessing immune checkpoint inhibitors, and visualizing drug delivery within the TME. Technologies like FLI and BLI are pivotal in tracking immune responses in preclinical models, while PAI provides functional imaging with deeper tissue penetration. The integration of these modalities with immunotherapy holds promise for improving treatment monitoring and outcomes. Conclusion Optical imaging is a powerful tool for understanding the complexities of the TME and optimizing immunotherapy. Further advancements in imaging technologies, combined with nanomaterial‐based approaches, could pave the way for enhanced diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy in cancer treatment.

Keywords

• immune checkpoint
• immunosuppression
• immunotherapy
• optical imaging
• tumor microenvironment