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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
Tissue-simulating Phantoms for Assessing Potential Near-infrared Fluorescence Imaging Applications in Breast Cancer Surgery
Published on: September 19, 2014
Detection limits of intraoperative near infrared imaging for tumor resection
Greg M Thurber1, Jose-Luiz Figueiredo, Ralph Weissleder
1Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Background And Objectives:
The application of fluorescent molecular imaging to surgical oncology is a developing field with the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality. However, the detection thresholds and other requirements for successful intervention remain poorly understood. Here we modeled and experimentally validated depth and size of detection of tumor deposits, trade-offs in coverage and resolution of areas of interest, and required pharmacokinetics of probes based on differing levels of tumor target presentation.
Methods:
Three orthotopic tumor models were imaged by widefield epifluorescence and confocal microscopes, and the experimental results were compared with pharmacokinetic models and light scattering simulations to determine detection thresholds.
Results:
Widefield epifluorescence imaging can provide sufficient contrast to visualize tumor margins and detect tumor deposits 3-5 mm deep based on labeled monoclonal antibodies at low objective magnification. At higher magnification, surface tumor deposits at cellular resolution are detectable at TBR ratios achieved with highly expressed antigens.
Conclusions:
A widefield illumination system with the capability for macroscopic surveying and microscopic imaging provides the greatest utility for varying surgical goals. These results have implications for system and agent designs, which ultimately should aid complete resection in most surgical beds and provide real-time feedback to obtain clean margins.
Insights
Fluorescent molecular imaging aids surgical oncology by enabling detection of deep tumor deposits. This technology helps achieve complete tumor resection and clean margins, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Molecular Probes
Background:
- Fluorescent molecular imaging is emerging in surgical oncology to improve patient outcomes.
- Understanding detection limits and probe requirements is crucial for effective application.
- This study addresses key knowledge gaps in fluorescent imaging for cancer surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model and validate detection thresholds for tumor deposits using fluorescent imaging.
- To analyze trade-offs between coverage and resolution in surgical imaging.
- To determine optimal probe pharmacokinetics for varying tumor target expression.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three orthotopic tumor models for imaging experiments.
- Employed widefield epifluorescence and confocal microscopy techniques.
- Integrated pharmacokinetic modeling and light scattering simulations for threshold determination.
Main Results:
- Widefield epifluorescence imaging detects tumor deposits 3-5 mm deep using labeled antibodies.
- High-magnification imaging reveals surface deposits at cellular resolution with high target expression.
- Detection capabilities are dependent on probe characteristics and tumor target presentation.
Conclusions:
- Widefield illumination systems offer versatility for both macroscopic and microscopic surgical needs.
- Findings guide the design of imaging systems and molecular agents for enhanced cancer surgery.
- Real-time feedback from imaging can significantly improve the completeness of tumor resection and margin status.
