Tumor margin detection using quantitative NIRF molecular imaging targeting EpCAM validated by far red gene reporter iRFP
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
Radionuclide-fluorescence Reporter Gene Imaging to Track Tumor Progression in Rodent Tumor Models
Published on: March 13, 2018
Banghe Zhu1, Grace Wu, Holly Robinson
1Center for Molecular Imaging, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, 1825 Pressler Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
Purpose:
Wide-field surgical excision reduces the chance of residual disease, but can also lead to disfigurement and devastating morbidities when resection is close to critical structures. We hypothesize that near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging can enable accurate detection of tumor margins for image-guided resection.
Experimental Design:
An orthotopic model of human prostate cancer (PCa) was used to assess primary tumor margins using a NIRF-labeled antibody against epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). PCa cells stably expressing far red fluorescent gene reporter, iRFP, enabled colocalization with NIRF signals for direct assessment of tumor margins.
Results:
Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, far red fluorescence was validated against standard pathology of primary and metastatic lesions with >96 % accuracy. Primary tumor margins were more accurately detected by quantitative NIRF imaging using the EpCAM-targeting antibody as compared to a NIRF-labeled isotype control antibody.
Conclusions:
NIRF molecular imaging may enable real-time and accurate assessment of tumor margins.
Insights
Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging accurately detects prostate cancer margins using an EpCAM-targeting antibody. This image-guided approach enhances surgical precision, potentially reducing residual disease and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Wide-field surgical excision is standard for cancer removal but risks disfigurement and morbidity near critical structures.
- Accurate tumor margin detection is crucial to minimize residual disease and optimize surgical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging for precise tumor margin detection in prostate cancer.
- To determine if NIRF imaging can guide surgical resection, improving accuracy and reducing complications.
Main Methods:
- An orthotopic human prostate cancer model was utilized.
- NIRF-labeled antibody targeting epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) assessed tumor margins.
- Far-red fluorescent gene reporter (iRFP) enabled colocalization for margin assessment.
Main Results:
- Far-red fluorescence demonstrated >96% accuracy compared to standard pathology for primary and metastatic lesions.
- Quantitative NIRF imaging with an EpCAM-targeting antibody significantly improved primary tumor margin detection accuracy versus an isotype control.
Conclusions:
- NIRF molecular imaging offers a promising tool for real-time, accurate assessment of tumor margins.
- This technology has the potential to enhance image-guided surgical resection in oncology.
More Related Videos
11:05Tissue-simulating Phantoms for Assessing Potential Near-infrared Fluorescence Imaging Applications in Breast Cancer Surgery
Published on: September 19, 2014
08:09Validation of Nanobody and Antibody Based In Vivo Tumor Xenograft NIRF-imaging Experiments in Mice Using Ex Vivo Flow Cytometry and Microscopy
Published on: April 6, 2015