Despite recent therapeutic breakthroughs, cancer patients continue to face high recurrence and mortality rates due to treatment resistance. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation with self-renewal capabilities, are key drivers of refractive disease. This review explores the application of molecular imaging techniques, such as PET and SPECT, for the noninvasive detection of CSCs. By providing real-time monitoring of CSCs, these imaging methods have the potential to predict therapy resistance and guide personalized treatment approaches. Here, we cover the biological characteristics of CSCs, mechanisms of therapy resistance, and the identification and targeting of CSC-specific biomarkers with molecular imaging. Additionally, we address the challenges and opportunities for the clinical translation of CSC imaging, highlighting strategies where CSC imaging can be used to improve patient outcomes.

尽管最近在治疗方面取得了突破，但由于治疗耐药性，癌症患者仍然面临高复发率和死亡率。癌症干细胞 （CSCs） 是一种具有自我更新能力的亚群，是屈光性疾病的关键驱动因素。本文探讨了 PET 和 SPECT 等分子成像技术在 CSCs 无创检测中的应用。通过提供 CSC 的实时监测，这些成像方法有可能预测治疗耐药性并指导个性化治疗方法。在这里，我们涵盖了 CSCs 的生物学特征、治疗耐药机制以及通过分子成像识别和靶向 CSC 特异性生物标志物。此外，我们还解决了 CSC 成像临床转化的挑战和机遇，重点介绍了 CSC 成像可用于改善患者预后的策略。