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Updated: May 24, 2026
Longitudinal Intravital Imaging of Brain Tumor Cell Behavior in Response to an Invasive Surgical Biopsy
Published on: May 3, 2019
Topical application of activity-based probes for visualization of brain tumor tissue
Jennifer L Cutter1, Nathan T Cohen, Jing Wang
1Department of Radiology, National Foundation for Cancer Research Center for Molecular Imaging at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America.
Abstract:
Several investigators have shown the utility of systemically delivered optical imaging probes to image tumors in small animal models of cancer. Here we demonstrate an innovative method for imaging tumors and tumor margins during surgery. Specifically, we show that optical imaging probes topically applied to tumors and surrounding normal tissue rapidly differentiate between tissues. In contrast to systemic delivery of optical imaging probes which label tumors uniformly over time, topical probe application results in rapid and robust probe activation that is detectable as early as 5 minutes following application. Importantly, labeling is primarily associated with peri-tumor spaces. This methodology provides a means for rapid visualization of tumor and potentially infiltrating tumor cells and has potential applications for directed surgical excision of tumor tissues. Furthermore, this technology could find use in surgical resections for any tumors having differential regulation of cysteine cathepsin activity.
Insights
This study introduces a new topical method for optical imaging probes to quickly identify tumor margins during surgery. This technique rapidly differentiates tumor from healthy tissue, aiding surgical precision.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Systemic delivery of optical imaging probes is established for tumor imaging in preclinical cancer models.
- Current methods face limitations in rapid, precise tumor margin delineation during surgical procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an innovative method for topical application of optical imaging probes for real-time tumor and margin visualization during surgery.
- To assess the speed and specificity of topical probe activation compared to systemic delivery.
Main Methods:
- Optical imaging probes were topically applied to tumors and surrounding tissues in preclinical models.
- Rapid differentiation between tumor and normal tissue was assessed post-application.
- Probe activation kinetics and localization (e.g., peri-tumor spaces) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Topical application of optical imaging probes rapidly differentiated between tumor and normal tissues.
- Robust probe activation was detected as early as 5 minutes post-application.
- Labeling was predominantly observed in peri-tumor spaces, highlighting tumor margins and potential infiltrating cells.
Conclusions:
- Topical application of optical imaging probes offers a rapid and effective method for intraoperative visualization of tumors and their margins.
- This technique has significant potential for improving surgical tumor excision and can be applied to tumors with differential cysteine cathepsin activity.
