Abstract: Provided herein are image-enhancing agents that are useful for managing disease by imaging disease tissue using magnetic resonance imaging techniques, optical imaging techniques, and a combination of magnetic resonance imaging techniques and optical imaging techniques. Also provided are methods of imaging disease tissue and managing disease using the image-enhancing agents.

Abstract: A method of conjugating a carboxylate-containing molecule to an amine-containing macromolecule to form a substituted macromolecule is provided. The method includes (a) forming a first solution by dissolving a substance comprising at least one macromolecule having free amine groups in an aqueous basic solution; (b) forming a second solution by combining at least one carboxylate-containing molecule with at least one acid acceptor in an aprotic solvent; (c) adding at least one carboxylate activating agent to the second solution to form an activated carboxylate-containing molecule; (d) combining the first solution and second solutions to form a multiphasic solution; and (e) isolating the resultant substituted macromolecule from the mixture. A substituted macromolecule produced by the aforementioned method is also provided.

Abstract: A combined modality imaging system includes a first imaging device of a first modality and a second imaging device of a second modality that is different from the first modality is provided. The first and the second imaging devices are both adapted to interact with a contrast agent. The contrast agent includes a deformable particle that has a geometry that varies in response to an emission from the first imaging device. The deformable particle also includes a fluorescent component and a quenching component separated from the fluorescent component at a characteristic distance.

Abstract: A method for measuring tumor response to a cancer therapy is provided. The method comprises the steps of injecting a polymeric contrast agent in a subject; obtaining a series of magnetic resonance image signals of the contrast agent in the tumor for up to about 60 minutes; and determining a slope of the magnetic resonance image signal as a function of time.

Abstract: A contrast agent comprising a polypeptide is provided. The polypeptide contains lysine residues and optionally, one or more types of amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of glutamic acid residues and aspartic acid residues, wherein the lysine residues are substituted with a group derived from a steric hindrance molecule; and an image producing entity is present in a range between about 100 units and about 2000 units. Methods for administering the aforementioned contrast agent are also provided.

Abstract: A polymer is conjugated to a plurality of molecules having at least a functionality and further comprises an active agent, such as a diagnostic agent or a therapeutic agent. The diagnostic agent is capable of generating a signal detectable by a medical imaging technique. The conjugated polymer has an extended conformation and provides enhanced contrast of images of diseased tissues or enhanced delivery of therapeutic agents to these tissues.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present technique, a combined modality imaging system includes a first imaging device of a first modality and a second imaging device of a second modality that is different from the first modality. The first and the second imaging devices are both adapted to interact with a contrast agent adapted to be received in a subject. The contrast agent includes an deformable particle that has a geometry that varies in response to an emission from the first imaging device. The deformable particle also includes a fluorescent component adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation that is detectable by the second imaging device and a quenching component separated from the fluorescent component at a distance based on the geometry and that which is adapted to absorb a portion of the electromagnetic radiation from the fluorescent component.

Abstract: A target-specific image-enhancing agent for medical imaging comprises an extended poly(amino acid), wherein at least 90 percent of the amino acid residues are conjugated to signal-generating moieties attached to signal-controlling moieties via bonds that are cleavable by a physiological substance produced by the target. The image-enhancing agent becomes activated when the bonds is cleaved by the physiological substance. The image-enhancing agent is used in detecting and/or diagnosing a disease that is characterized by an overproduction of the substance.