Computed tomography in the management of head and neck cancer

The development of phosphorescent probes for in vitro and in vivo bioimaging

Phosphorescence is a process that slowly releases the photoexcitation energy after the removal of the excitation source. Although transition metal complexes and purely organic room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials show excellent phosphorescence property, their applications in in vitro and in vivo bioimaging are limited due to their poor solubility in water. To overcome this issue, phosphorescent materials are modified with amphiphilic or hydrophilic polymers to endow them with biocompatibility. This review focuses on recent advances in the development of phosphorescent probes for in vitro and in vivo bioimaging. The photophysical mechanism and the design principles of transition metal complexes and purely organic RTP materials for the stabilization of the triplet excited state for enhanced phosphorescence are first discussed. Then, the applications in in vitro and in vivo bioimaging using transition metal complexes including iridium(iii) complexes, platinum(ii) complexes, rhodium(i) complexes, and purely organic RTP materials are summarized. Finally, the current challenges and perspectives for these emerging materials in bioimaging are discussed.

Radiologic diagnosis and staging of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

The predominant extracranial head and neck cancer in adults is squamous cell carcinoma. The purpose of this article is to discuss the radiographic evaluation of these patients with CT scans or MR imaging before therapeutic intervention. Specific focus is given to the efficacy of CT scans and MR imaging, as an adjunct to clinical staging for evaluation of the primary tumor, and metastatic adenopathy. MR imaging, because of its improved soft tissue contrast and multiplanar capability, is probably superior to CT scans for evaluation of the primary tumor in patients with squamous cell carcinoma. CT scans, however, remain the gold standard for identifying metastatic adenopathy and in most institutions remain the study of choice for evaluating this patient population.