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Updated: Apr 25, 2026
Fluorescent Orthotopic Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer
Published on: September 20, 2016
Successful in vivo tumor visualization using fluorescence laparoscopy in a mouse model of disseminated alveolar
Cristian Urla1, Sorin Armeanu-Ebinger, Jörg Fuchs
1Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany, Cristian.Urla@med.uni-tuebingen.de.
Background:
Surgery for rhabdomyosarcoma is challenging due to a lack of clear delineation between tumor and surrounding tissue. Mutilating surgery can be necessary in difficult tumor localizations. Therefore, novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities are required. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo tumor detection of RMS using fluorescence laparoscopy and to analyze the efficacy of hypericin-induced photodynamic therapy in a mouse model.
Methods:
Seventeen NOD/LtSz-scid IL2Rγnull-mice were divided into four groups. In group 1, mCherry-expressing tumor cells and in group 2-4 non-transfected tumor cells were xenotransplanted. Three weeks later, one fluorochrome per group (ICG, ICG-cetuximab, hypericin) was injected. Fluorescence laparoscopy was carried out and tumors were resected using fluorescence guidance. In the hypericin group, photodynamic therapy was performed using blue light and apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL test.
Results:
A clear discrimination between healthy and tumor tissue was feasible by fluorescending properties with mCherry expressing tumor cells and after injection of hypericin. No fluorescence was detected in mice injected with ICG and ICG-labeled cetuximab. Hypericin photodynamic therapy induced apoptosis of tumor cells after exposure to blue light.
Conclusions:
Intraoperative photodynamic diagnosis was feasible using mCherry-transfected tumor cells or hypericin. Additionally, intraoperative photodynamic therapy was possible and effective.
Insights
This study shows hypericin enables fluorescence-guided surgery for rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in mice. Hypericin-induced photodynamic therapy also effectively treated RMS tumors, offering new diagnostic and therapeutic options.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Innovation
- Photodynamic Therapy
Background:
- Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) surgery is difficult due to unclear tumor margins.
- Mutilating surgeries are sometimes required for RMS, highlighting the need for better diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess in vivo rhabdomyosarcoma detection using fluorescence laparoscopy.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of hypericin-induced photodynamic therapy in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Xenotransplantation of RMS cells in NOD/LtSz-scid IL2Rγnull-mice.
- Injection of fluorochromes (mCherry, ICG, ICG-cetuximab, hypericin) followed by fluorescence laparoscopy.
- Hypericin photodynamic therapy with blue light and apoptosis assessment via TUNEL test.
Main Results:
- Clear discrimination between tumor and healthy tissue was achieved with mCherry and hypericin.
- ICG and ICG-cetuximab did not yield detectable fluorescence.
- Hypericin photodynamic therapy induced significant tumor cell apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Intraoperative photodynamic diagnosis of RMS is feasible using mCherry or hypericin.
- Intraoperative photodynamic therapy using hypericin is effective for RMS treatment.
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