What Are the Applications of Confocal Microscopy in Cancer Research?
Tumor Angiogenesis: Confocal microscopy can visualize the development of new blood vessels in tumors, aiding in the study of tumor angiogenesis and the efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapies. Cell Signaling Pathways: Researchers can observe the localization and interaction of signaling molecules within cancer cells, providing insights into the pathways that drive cancer progression. Drug Delivery and Efficacy: The technique helps in tracking the delivery and distribution of therapeutic agents within cancer cells and tissues, assessing the effectiveness of new treatments. Cancer Stem Cells: Confocal microscopy enables the identification and characterization of cancer stem cells, which are believed to play a crucial role in tumor initiation and recurrence.
