Figure 4.

TAM iron imaging in cancer. In many studies focusing on iron-laden population of macrophages magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to localize and monitor these cells during tumor growth and immunometabolic therapy response. Here, iron nanoparticle contrast agents are injected intravenously and subsequently are delivered to the tumor where TAM phagocytosis occurs. Quantitative iron MRI provides in vivo quantitative detection of iron containing macrophages in animal models and patients. Cytological imaging confirms associations between iron deposits within macrophage accumulation and vascular infiltration.