In vivo agents and markers for endomicroscopy

Abstract

Novel in vivo agents and molecular markers are steadily enhancing the field of endoscopy. By resolving glandular patterns and subcellular features, these targeted agents can provide endoscopists with near histologic-grade images of gastrointestinal disease. This chapter will review the clinical research in vital-dye, contrast, peptide, molecular, and mucolytic agents that have been studied to better target suspicious lesions for biopsy. To start off, the characteristics of each agent will be summarized. Then, the chapter will examine each organ system (esophagus, stomach, and colon) in turn and discuss how agents and their respective imaging systems have performed.