Noninvasive imaging of hypoxia, hypoxia response and drug delivery : a bridge towards individualized patient treatment

Imaging (PET/CT scan) in cancer patients is an increasingly important element in both diagnosis and treatment. Hypoxia (lack of oxygen) is an important characteristic of tumours that causes resistance against cancer treatments. For efficient treatment of hypoxia it is important to know to which extent and where hypoxia is present in a tumour. This dissertation shows the possibility of determining hypoxia and the reaction of the cell to that low oxygen tension in a non-invasive way. We also proved that imaging is useful to follow the absorption of medication against cancer. Imaging will ultimately lead to an increased chance of survival by quicker and better selection of patients for specific treatments.