Radiolabeled vitamins as the potential diagnostic probes for targeted tumor imaging

Nuclear medicine like single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) is one of the most sensitive methods for diagnostic imaging and radionuclide therapy which could lead to higher efficacy and reduced toxicity. There is enormous incentive to develop probes that detect lesions at earliest stages. Vitamins are biomolecules that play an important role in a variety of biological processes in animals and humans. The development of vitamin based radiopharmaceuticals for use in the detection and treatment of malignancies is increasing. In this review article we focus on recent studies that employ radiolabeled vitamins for targeted tumor imaging.