Breast cancer imaging using the near-infrared fluorescent agent, CLR1502

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Medical Imaging
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Positive margins after breast-conserving surgery are a significant challenge in breast cancer treatment.
• Accurate detection of residual malignant tissue is crucial for effective surgical resection.
• Novel imaging agents are needed to enhance intraoperative visualization of breast cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the imaging properties of the near-infrared fluorescence agent CLR1502.
• To assess CLR1502's ability to detect small islands of malignancy in a preclinical breast cancer model.
• To determine the optimal timing for imaging after CLR1502 administration.

Main Methods:

• CLR1502 was administered systemically to nude mice bearing human breast cancer xenografts.
• Imaging was performed using LUNA and Pearl Impulse optical imaging devices.
• Tumor-to-background ratios, minimum detectable tumor size, and fluorescence signal distribution in various tissues were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Peak tumor-to-background ratio was observed 2 days post-injection of CLR1502.
• The smallest detectable tumor mass was 1.9 mg (1.9 × 10⁶ cells).
• Highest fluorescence signals were detected in tumor and lymph node tissues; lowest in muscle and plasma.

Conclusions:

• CLR1502 enables in vivo imaging of human breast cancer tumors using multiple optical platforms.
• This pilot study supports CLR1502's potential to improve surgical resection of malignancies.
• Further investigation is warranted for the clinical translation of CLR1502 for breast cancer surgery.