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Abstract

A contrast agent is disclosed for imaging methods. In at least one embodiment the contrast agent includes a construct including i) at least two copies of a substrate for at least one tumor-specific protease, and ii) at least one linker having at least one recognition site for at least one tumor-specific protease, wherein a hyperpolarization site is located at the N and/or C terminus of the substrate, and wherein the linker is configured such that the hydrophobic ends of the substrate interact and form a central core by means of noncovalent interactions with the lipophilic residues, and the contrast agent together with a parahydrogen metal template for use in an imaging method for diagnosing a tumor. At least one embodiment of the invention further relates to a method for imaging a tumor tissue, wherein the above-described contrast agent accumulated in a tumor tissue is imaged using a suitable imaging method after hyperpolarization by way of contact with a parahydrogen metal template, and also to a method for imaging a tumor tissue in a patient, wherein a) a contrast agent as described above is administered to a patient, b) a parahydrogen metal template is administered to the patient, and c) the presence of a tumor is depicted using an imaging method.

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First Claim