Utilization of targeted near-infrared molecular imaging to improve pulmonary metastasectomy of osteosarcomas

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Innovation
• Molecular Imaging

Background:

• Pulmonary metastasectomy offers potential cure for osteosarcoma patients.
• Accurate identification of small, deep-seated lesions remains a surgical challenge.
• Osteosarcomas express unique molecular markers like folate receptor alpha.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of a folate receptor-targeted, near-infrared optical contrast agent (OTL38) for improved osteosarcoma localization.
• To assess the effectiveness of OTL38 in identifying metastatic lesions during minimally invasive pulmonary resection.
• To report the first successful use of a molecular imaging probe for osteosarcoma.

Main Methods:

• Utilized OTL38, a novel molecular imaging probe targeting folate receptor alpha.
• Administered OTL38 preoperatively for enhanced lesion visualization.
• Employed minimally invasive surgical techniques for pulmonary resection.
• Compared intraoperative findings with preoperative imaging and traditional inspection.

Main Results:

• OTL38 successfully localized preoperatively identified osteosarcoma lesions.
• The molecular imaging probe identified additional, previously undetected metastatic disease.
• This technology facilitated more comprehensive tumor resection.
• Marked the first successful application of a molecular imaging probe for osteosarcoma.

Conclusions:

• Folates receptor-targeted OTL38 significantly improves osteosarcoma metastasis detection during pulmonary surgery.
• This molecular imaging approach enhances the identification of sub-threshold lesions missed by conventional methods.
• OTL38 represents a promising advancement for improving surgical outcomes in osteosarcoma patients.