Intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence tumor imaging with vascular endothelial growth factor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 targeting antibodies
Anton G.T. Terwisscha van Scheltinga, Gooitzen M. van Dam, Wouter B. Nagengast, Vasilis Ntziachristos, Harry Hollema, Jennifer L. Herek, Carolien P. Schröder, Jos G.W. Kosterink, Marjolijn N. Lub-de Hoog, and Elisabeth G.E. de Vries
Dept of Medical Oncology, Dept of Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy, Dept of Surgery, Dept of Pathology, and Dept of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany; Optical Sciences Group, MESA1 Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
J Nucl Med 52:1778-85 (2011) doi: 10.2967/jnumed.111.092833
Fluorescence imaging is of great interest for intraoperative tumor detection, but many fluorescent tracers lack tumor specificity. To increase specificity, this study combined monoclonal-antibody-based tumor detection with intraoperative optical imaging, in preclinical mouse models. Bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) and Trastuzumab (anti-HER2) therapeutic antibodies were labeled with the near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye IRDye® 800CW (LI-COR Biosciences). Tumor uptake of the tracers (and 89Zr-labeled radioactive counterparts for PET) was assessed in athymic mice with human xenograft tumors, followed by ex vivo biodistribution and pathology studies. Excellent selective tumor uptake was observed. Real-time intraoperative imaging detected tumor lesions, even at the submillimeter level. The authors conclude that NIR fluorescence-labeled antibodies against VEGF or HER2 can be used for highly specific, sensitive detection of tumors in vivo. They are preparing for clinical trials with Bevacizumab-IRDye 800CW.
Other Resources:
In Vivo Imaging Publication List – scientific journal references citing the use of BrightSite™ Optical Imaging Agents or IRDye Infrared Dyes