Table 1 The pre-clinical evaluation of main magnetic nanoparticles in the molecular imaging of metastatic lymph nodes

Mannan-coated SPIONs

Mouse 4T1 breast tumor model

Mannan–SPION are preferentially taken up by antigen-presenting cells in metastatic LNs

[29]

SPION-antitenascin-C

Cervical cancer tissues

Specific capturing the MLNs with high tenascin-C levels

[47]

SPIOs@A-T

Mouse 4T1 breast tumor model

High imaging intensity for specific and precise detection of MLNs;

No detectable biological toxicity

[48]

USPIO

Rabbit VX2 pyriform sinus carcinoma model

No reduced T2*-signal intensity for the metastatic nodules

[57]

USPIO

Dog oral cancer

No negative adverse-effects

[67]

CS015

Rabbit VX2 tumor model

Be swallowed by macrophages residing in LNs at a very small dosage

[78]

USPIO-PEG-sLe^X

Mouse model of metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Successfully targeting E-selectin, the important factor for cancer metastasis

[82]

SPION-ICG

Swine gallbladder cancer model

The SPION-ICG dual tracer is feasible and sensitive for the SLNs detection

[89]