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Published on: September 19, 2014
A handheld fluorescence molecular tomography system for intraoperative optical imaging of tumor margins
Qing Zhao1, Huabei Jiang, Zehong Cao
1J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
Purpose:
Accurate identification of tumor margins presents a major challenge in the surgical treatment of human cancers. Inability of complete removal of tumor lesions after surgery causes local recurrence and increases the incidence of developing tumor metastasis. It is clear that novel approaches that allow defining tumor margins intraoperatively for removal of small tumor lesions in the surgical cavity is critical for improving prognosis of cancer patients. To facilitate image-guided surgery using targeted optical imaging probes, we have developed a reflection-mode fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) system with a handheld probe that is able to provide three-dimensional tumor margin information.
Methods:
The imaging method and system were validated using both simulated and phantom experiments. We further examined the accuracy of the handheld FMT system in an orthotopic mouse mammary tumor model following systemic delivery of near-infrared (NIR) dye-labeled and urokinase plasminogen activator receptor targeted magnet iron oxide nanoparticles.
Results:
Our results show that when the targets are located within 5 mm beneath the surface of the media, fluorescent images can be reliably detected and reconstructed with an average positional error of 0.5 mm laterally and 1.5 mm axially. For in vivo imaging in the mouse tumor model, the location and size of the tumor detected by FMT correlated well with that measured by the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Conclusions:
Our system can three-dimensionally image targets located at a depth of up to 7 mm. The in vivo results suggest that in combination with targeted optical imaging probes, this handheld FMT system can be potentially used as an intraoperative tool for the detection of tumor margins and for image-guided surgery.
Insights
This study introduces a handheld fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) system for precise intraoperative tumor margin detection. The system accurately images tumor margins in 3D, aiding surgeons in complete cancer removal and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Surgical oncology
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Accurate tumor margin identification is crucial for preventing cancer recurrence and metastasis.
- Current methods often struggle with detecting small, deep-seated tumor lesions intraoperatively.
- Novel imaging techniques are needed to guide surgical resection effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a handheld reflection-mode fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) system for intraoperative 3D tumor margin visualization.
- To assess the system's accuracy in detecting tumor margins using targeted optical imaging probes.
- To evaluate the potential of FMT for image-guided cancer surgery.
Main Methods:
- Validation using simulated and phantom experiments.
- Testing the handheld FMT system in an orthotopic mouse mammary tumor model.
- Utilizing near-infrared (NIR) dye-labeled and targeted nanoparticles for imaging.
Main Results:
- Reliable detection and reconstruction of targets within 5 mm of the surface with high positional accuracy (0.5 mm lateral, 1.5 mm axial error).
- Successful 3D imaging of targets up to 7 mm depth.
- FMT imaging correlated well with MRI in a mouse tumor model.
Conclusions:
- The developed handheld FMT system provides accurate 3D tumor margin information.
- The system demonstrates potential as an intraoperative tool for image-guided surgery.
- Combined with targeted probes, FMT can enhance surgical precision and patient prognosis.
