Image-guided fiberoptic molecular imaging in a VX2 rabbit lung tumor model

Area of Science:

• Medical imaging
• Oncology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment require accurate tumor characterization.
• Minimally invasive biopsy techniques are crucial for obtaining tissue samples for analysis.
• Molecular imaging offers the potential for targeted tumor detection and characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the feasibility of computed tomography (CT) image-guided fiberoptic confocal fluorescence molecular imaging.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the minimally invasive multimodality image-guided (MIMIG) system in a rabbit lung tumor model.

Main Methods:

• Eight rabbit lung tumor models were established using VX2 cell suspension.
• IntegriSense 680 was administered as a fluorescent imaging agent.
• CT imaging guided a real-time electromagnetically tracked needle for biopsy.
• Fiberoptic fluorescence imaging was performed along the needle track.

Main Results:

• The MIMIG system successfully guided needle insertion to tumors with high accuracy (3.3 mm ± 1.6).
• Tumors showed a two-fold increase in α(v)β(3) integrin contrast compared to normal lung tissue.
• Histopathology confirmed viable tumor cells and contrast uptake in biopsy samples.
• No pneumothorax or needle adjustments were necessary, with a single skin entry point.

Conclusions:

• The MIMIG system facilitates effective in situ fluorescence molecular imaging during lung needle biopsy.
• In situ α(v)β(3) integrin molecular imaging enables regional molecular characterization of lung tumors.
• This approach can guide precise biopsy procedures for enhanced diagnostic accuracy.