Far-Red and Near-Infrared Seminaphthofluorophores for Targeted Pancreatic Cancer Imaging

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Molecular Imaging
• Oncology

Background:

• Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) diagnosis and surgical margin assessment are challenging.
• Development of molecular probes for selective cancer cell highlighting is crucial for improved outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and characterize novel red and near-infrared fluorescent probes for selective pancreatic cancer cell detection.
• To evaluate the probes' efficacy in visualizing PDAC at multiple structural levels.

Main Methods:

• Systematic modification of fluorescent probe structures to achieve field-effect-derived redshift.
• In vivo administration of probes in normal and genetically modified mouse models of PDAC.
• Assessment of probe distribution, accumulation, and visualization capabilities.

Main Results:

• Two of thirteen novel probes showed distribution in the normal mouse pancreas.
• One probe selectively accumulated in PDAC mouse models.
• The probe enabled visualization of PDAC at organ, tissue, cellular, and subcellular levels.
• The probe demonstrated inherent affinity for PDAC cells without requiring targeting agents.

Conclusions:

• A novel fluorescent probe with inherent affinity for PDAC cells was developed.
• This probe facilitates precise visualization for image-guided surgery, early detection, and therapeutic monitoring of pancreatic cancer.
• The findings support new strategies for pancreatic cancer research and clinical applications.