Advancements in molecular imaging for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant tumor characterized by poor overall patient survival and prognosis, largely due to challenges in early diagnosis, limited surgical options, and a high propensity for therapy resistance. The integration of various imaging modalities through molecular imaging techniques, particularly multimodal molecular imaging, offers the potential to provide more precise and comprehensive information about the lesion. With advances in nanomedicine, new imaging and drug delivery approaches that allow the development of multifunctional theranostic agents offer opportunities for improving pancreatic cancer treatment using precision oncology. Herein, we review the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of molecular imaging for PDAC and discuss the adoption of multimodal imaging approaches that combine the strengths of different imaging techniques to enhance diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy. We emphasize the significant role of nanomedicine technology in advancing multimodal molecular imaging and theranostics, and their potential impact on PDAC management. This comprehensive review aims to serve as a valuable reference for researchers and clinicians, offering insights into the current state of molecular imaging in PDAC and outlining future directions for improving early diagnosis, combination therapies, and prognostic evaluations.