A Review on the Roles of Photoacoustic Imaging for Conventional and Novel Clinical Diagnostic Applications

Photoacoustic imaging is a promising medical imaging modality that enables the visualization of molecular functional and morphological information of biological tissues. Its clinical potential has been widely investigated for assessing and diagnosing various diseases. Currently, several research groups are developing photoacoustic imaging systems for translation from the laboratory to the clinic. In particular, the integration of photoacoustic imaging into existing diagnostic ultrasound applications, such as cancer diagnosis, has shown promising results. Additionally, recent research has explored the application of photoacoustic imaging for novel clinical uses. In this review paper, recent trials of photoacoustic imaging in both conventional and novel clinical applications are summarized and evaluated. Additionally, current limitations and future directions of photoacoustic imaging for successful translation into the clinical world are discussed. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in photoacoustic imaging and highlight its potential for clinical diagnosis and treatment. It is hoped that this review will contribute to the development of improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for a wide range of diseases using photoacoustic imaging.