Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Drug-Induced Tumor Apoptosis with a Caspase-Triggered Nanoaggregation Probe.

Drug Design: An 18F‐labeled caspase‐3‐sensitive nanoaggregation positron emission tomography tracer was prepared and evaluated for imaging the caspase‐3 activity in doxorubicin‐treated tumor xenografts. Enhanced retention of the 18F activity in apoptotic tumors is achieved through intramolecular macrocyclization and in situ aggregation upon caspase‐3 activation (see picture). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]