Real-
time visualization of the molecular signature of
cells can be achieved with advanced targeted imaging
techniques using
molecular probes and
fluorescence endoscopy. This molecular
optical imaging in
gastrointestinal endoscopy is promising for improving the
detection of neoplastic lesions, their characterization for
patient stratification, and the assessment of their response to
molecular targeted therapy and
radiotherapy. In
inflammatory bowel disease, this
method can be used to detect dysplasia in the presence of background
inflammation and to visualize inflammatory molecular targets for assessing
disease severity and
prognosis. Several preclinical and clinical trials have applied this
method in
endoscopy; however, this field has just started to evolve. Hence, many problems have yet to be solved to enable the clinical application of this novel
method.