Tumor margin detection using quantitative NIRF molecular imaging targeting EpCAM validated by far red gene reporter...

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.