8
human knee using autologous adult mesenchymal stem cells [ 14 ]. Subsequently,
promising results in human clinical trial in treating type 1 diabetes has been shown
using Cord Blood-Derived Multipotent Stem Cells (CB-SCs) [ 15 ].
A detailed discussion on some of these applications can be found in subsequent
chapters of this book.
1.2 Imaging in Stem Cell Transplant
The role of imaging can be broadly categorized in two categories, encompassing a
wide spectrum. At a molecular level, stem cell imaging includes processes like
labeling, homing and longitudinal monitoring of the stem cells. On the other hand,
at a macro or organ/system level, imaging has a crucial role in evaluation of stem
cell transplant related complications. An imaging specialist is ideally positioned to
become an integral part of stem cell imaging in various capacities. As a molecular
scientist, he or she can label, track stem cells, monitor and evaluate the engraftment
efficiency. Also, as interventionists, radiologists can play key role in targeted deliv-
ery of stem cells by different routes. As clinical radiologist he or she is not infre-
quently called upon to evaluate and discuss various stem cell transplant related
complications.
Traditionally, imaging in stem cell transplant was focused on monitoring of com-
plications like host versus graft disease as most stem cell transplants were per-
formed for hematological indications. The advent of targeted stem cell delivery in
non-hematological stem cell applications has opened new applications of imaging
and shifted focus toward monitoring of the graft and evaluating graft engraftment
and site-specific complications. In some cases interventional radiology expertise is
needed prior to stem cell transplant to create engraftment territory and increase
engraftment bed fertility with controlled intentional tissue destruction, like thermal
ablation [ 2 ]. The rest of this chapter will present a systematic review of imaging in
stem cell transplant and will address role of conventional and molecular imaging in
both targeted and systemic stem cell therapy. Recent advances such as role of nano-
technology will be addressed in a dedicated chapter.
1.3 Use of Imaging Techniques in Stem Cell Transplant
The rapid strides in molecular imaging in recent years have allowed successful non-
invasive imaging of the transplanted cells. The role of these imaging techniques to
study the viability and biology of the transplanted cells is critical to the study of
different regenerative therapies.
Imaging not only allows monitoring of stem cell transfection, uptake and homing
to target area but is also capable of longitudinal evaluation of the stem cells in a
living subject and shows interaction of the cells at the level of the microenviron-
T. Pa ndey