Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
09:52
Non-invasive Optical Imaging of the Lymphatic Vasculature of a Mouse
Published on: March 8, 2013
Development of a macromolecular dual-modality MR-optical imaging for sentinel lymph node mapping
Marites P Melancon1, Yuetang Wang, Xiaoxia Wen
1Departments of Experimental Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Investigative Radiology
|July 11, 2007
Summary
This study shows a new dual magnetic resonance-near infrared fluorescence imaging agent effectively visualizes sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in mice. The agent aids in both preoperative and intraoperative detection and characterization of SLN, including micrometastases.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Diagnostics
Background:
- Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is crucial for cancer staging.
- Accurate SLN identification and characterization are vital for treatment planning.
- Current imaging techniques have limitations in sensitivity and specificity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel dual magnetic resonance (MR)-near infrared fluorescence (NIRF) optical imaging agent, poly(l-glutamic acid)-DTPA-Gd-NIR813, for SLN detection and characterization.
- To assess the agent's efficacy in both preoperative and intraoperative settings in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of the dual-modality agent poly(l-glutamic acid)-DTPA-Gd-NIR813.
- Subcutaneous and intralingual injections in nude mice to confirm SLN drainage and assess imaging performance.
- Utilized 4.7 T MR imaging and Xenogen optical imaging for pre- and postcontrast imaging.
- Histopathologic examination to confirm SLN status and micrometastasis detection.
Main Results:
- The agent successfully colocalized with isosulfan blue, confirming SLN drainage.
- Axillary and branchial lymph nodes were visualized by both MR and NIRF imaging at low doses.
- NIRF imaging identified all 6 cervical lymph nodes in tumor-bearing mice, outperforming MR imaging (4/6).
- MR imaging revealed a characteristic ring-shaped enhancement pattern suggestive of nodal metastasis.
- Histopathology confirmed micrometastases in all SLNs identified by NIRF imaging.
Conclusions:
- The dual MR-NIRF imaging agent is effective for SLN localization and characterization.
- This multimodal approach enhances the detection of SLNs and metastatic lesions.
- The technique shows promise for improving preoperative and intraoperative cancer staging.
