Rapid and sensitive fluorescent imaging of tiny tumors in vivo and in clinical specimens

Fluorescence-guided diagnostics is one of the most powerful techniques for real-time in situ tumor detection. Here, we introduce two categories of fluorescence probes used for tumor imaging (always-on probes and activatable probes) and briefly summarize recent advances in tumor-targeted fluorescence imaging probes and their clinical/preclinical applications, including our recent work on rational design of activatable fluorescence probes for tumors expressing aminopeptidases and glycosidases. These probes enable rapid and sensitive detection of tiny tumors as small as <1 mm in diameter, both in vivo and in clinical specimens.