Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 25, 2026
An Orthotopic Resectional Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer
Published on: September 24, 2020
Toward Curative Fluorescence-Guided Surgery of Pancreatic Cancer
Background/Aims:
Negative surgical margins are critical to prevent recurrence in cancer surgery. We review the use of fluorophore-labeled monoclonal antibodies to aid in cancer visualization in orthotopic nude mouse models of human pancreatic cancer in order to achieve negative margins in fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS).
Methodology:
Anti-CEA or anti-CA 19-9 antibodies were conjugated with fluorophores of visible and near-infrared wavelengths. Orthotopic primary and metastatic human pancreatic tumors in nude mouse models were readily visualized with fluorescence imaging after administration of fluorophore conjugated anti-CEA or anti-CA 19-9.
Results:
The fluorescence signal was detectable 30 minutes after systemic antibody delivery and remained present for two weeks, with minimal in vivo photobleaching after exposure to standard operating room lighting. There was greatly improved ability to resect labeled tumor tissue using FGS.
Conclusions:
Fluorophore-labeled anti-CEA or anti-CA 19-9 antibodies enable enhanced visualization of tumors for FGS of pancreatic cancer when CEA or CA 19-9 expression is present. The choice of fluorophore significantly affects the signal intensity in the labeled tumor. The technologies described herein have the potential to change the paradigm of surgical oncology to engender significantly improved outcomes.
Insights
Fluorophore-labeled antibodies targeting CEA or CA 19-9 improve pancreatic cancer visualization for fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS). This enhances tumor resection and aims for negative surgical margins, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Achieving negative surgical margins is crucial for preventing cancer recurrence.
- Pancreatic cancer surgery requires precise tumor visualization for complete resection.
- Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) offers a promising approach to enhance surgical precision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of fluorophore-labeled monoclonal antibodies for cancer visualization in pancreatic cancer models.
- To assess the efficacy of FGS in achieving negative margins in orthotopic nude mouse models.
- To evaluate the potential of antibody-based fluorescence imaging in improving surgical outcomes for pancreatic cancer.
Main Methods:
- Conjugation of anti-CEA or anti-CA 19-9 antibodies with visible and near-infrared fluorophores.
- Administration of fluorophore-conjugated antibodies in orthotopic nude mouse models of human pancreatic cancer.
- Visualization of primary and metastatic tumors using fluorescence imaging.
Main Results:
- Fluorescence signal was detectable within 30 minutes and persisted for two weeks.
- Minimal photobleaching occurred under standard operating room lighting.
- Significantly improved ability to resect labeled tumor tissue using FGS was observed.
Conclusions:
- Fluorophore-labeled anti-CEA or anti-CA 19-9 antibodies enhance tumor visualization for FGS in CEA or CA 19-9 expressing pancreatic cancers.
- Fluorophore selection critically impacts signal intensity within the tumor.
- These technologies hold potential to revolutionize surgical oncology and improve patient outcomes.
