Comparison of imaging techniques for tracking cardiac stem cell therapy.

Abstract

A growing number of exciting animal and preclinical studies are beginning to reveal the immense potential in stem cell-based therapies, particularly in the area of treating cardiovascular diseases. However, in order to evaluate the efficacy of these treatments in clinical trials, the transplanted stem cells must be monitored quantitatively and qualitatively <i>in vivo</i>. To date, several non-invasive imaging approaches have been used to follow stem cell fate <i>in vivo</i>. Here we review the basic principles of the current techniques for cardiac stem cell tracking, compare the relative advantages and disadvantages of these imaging modalities, and discuss the future prospect of cardiac stem cell trafficking.