Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 2, 2026
Computed Tomography-guided Time-domain Diffuse Fluorescence Tomography in Small Animals for Localization of Cancer Biomarkers
Published on: July 17, 2012
Multimode Optical Imaging for Translational Chemotherapy: In Vivo Tumor Detection and Delineation by Targeted Gallium
Jae Youn Hwang1, Zeev Gross2, Harry B Gray3
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA ; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
Abstract:
We report the feasibility of tumor detection and delineation in vivo using multimode optical imaging of targeted gallium corrole (HerGa). HerGa is highly effective for targeted HER2+ tumor elimination in vivo, and it emits intense fluorescence. These unique characteristics of HerGa prompted us to investigate the potential of HerGa for tumor detection and delineation, by performing multimode optical imaging ex vivo and in vivo; the imaging modes included fluorescence intensity, spectral (including ratiometric), lifetime, and two-photon excited fluorescence, using our custom-built imaging system. While fluorescence intensity imaging provided information about tumor targeting capacity and tumor retention of HerGa, ratiometric spectral imaging offered more quantitative and specific information about HerGa location and accumulation. Most importantly, the fluorescence lifetime imaging of HerGa allowed us to discriminate between tumor and non-tumor regions by fluorescence lifetime differences. Finally, two-photon excited fluorescence images provided highly resolved and thus topologically detailed information around the tumor regions where HerGa accumulates. Taken together, the results shown in this report suggest the feasibility of tumor detection and delineation by multimode optical imaging of HerGa, and fluorescent chemotherapy agents in general. Specifically, the multimode optical imaging can offer complementary and even synergetic information simultaneously in the tumor detection and delineation by HerGa, thus enhancing contrast.
Insights
This study demonstrates that multimode optical imaging of gallium corrole (HerGa) can effectively detect and delineate tumors. This approach enhances tumor visualization and contrast for improved diagnostic capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Optics
- Molecular Imaging
- Cancer Diagnostics
Background:
- Gallium corrole (HerGa) is a fluorescent agent effective for HER2+ tumor elimination.
- HerGa's intense fluorescence and targeting capabilities suggest potential for tumor imaging.
- Multimodal optical imaging offers diverse approaches for biological sample analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using multimode optical imaging of HerGa for in vivo tumor detection and delineation.
- To explore various optical imaging modalities for HerGa-based tumor visualization.
- To assess the complementary information provided by different imaging techniques.
Main Methods:
- Multimode optical imaging (fluorescence intensity, spectral, lifetime, two-photon excited fluorescence) of HerGa in vivo and ex vivo.
- Utilized a custom-built imaging system for data acquisition.
- Analyzed HerGa accumulation, location, and fluorescence characteristics in tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Main Results:
- Fluorescence intensity imaging showed HerGa's tumor targeting and retention.
- Ratiometric spectral imaging provided quantitative HerGa location and accumulation data.
- Fluorescence lifetime imaging differentiated tumor from non-tumor regions.
- Two-photon excited fluorescence imaging offered high-resolution topographical details.
- Multimode imaging provided synergistic information, enhancing contrast.
Conclusions:
- Multimode optical imaging of HerGa is feasible for in vivo tumor detection and delineation.
- Different imaging modes offer complementary and synergistic data for enhanced tumor visualization.
- This approach holds promise for fluorescent chemotherapy agents in general for improved cancer diagnostics.
