Synchronous PET/MR imaging and visualizing penetration of nanomedicine within tumor based on 68Ga-NaGdF4 probes

Abstract Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear medicine imaging are widely used for cancer detection due to their high soft tissue resolution and sensitivity. Each modality has inherent limitations; therefore, integrated techniques such as positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) have been developed. However, achieving simultaneous signal enhancement for both PET and MRI in clinical settings remains challenging. In this study, we employed gallium-68 ( 68 Ga)-labelled NaGdF 4 @RGD nanoprobes as a model system to establish a synchronous PET/MR imaging strategy for tumor diagnosis. These nanoprobes exhibited suitable radiochemical half-life, and effective tumor-associated targeting, enabling successful PET/MR imaging across multiple tumor models, including hepatoma, renal cancer, and breast cancer in vivo . Notably, this imaging strategy allowed time-resolved visualization of nanoprobe distribution and prolonged retention behavior in orthotopic liver tumors during delayed imaging periods, providing imaging-based insights into nanomedicine pharmacodynamics. Graphical abstract