Endomicroscopy and targeted imaging of gastric neoplasia.

Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) allows microscopic imaging of the gastric mucosa in real time during endoscopy. Gastroenterologists are able to evaluate gastric pathologies in real time, which is used to target fewer biopsies to regions of interest by providing multiple "optical" biopsies, and guide endoscopic interventions. CLE provides a powerful tool for translational studies to unravel the pathophysiology of diseases in vivo virtually free of artifacts. Molecular imaging may help to detect suspicious lesions and to predict response to targeted therapy. This review provides an overview of current applications of endomicroscopy of the stomach in clinical and translational science.