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Updated: Dec 15, 2025
Multi-photon Imaging of Tumor Cell Invasion in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: July 25, 2011
Fluorescence-guided resection of tumors in mouse models of oral cancer
Paula Demétrio de Souza França1,2, Navjot Guru1, Sheryl Roberts1
1Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
Abstract:
Complete removal and negative margins are the goal of any surgical resection of primary oral cavity carcinoma. Current approaches to determine tumor boundaries rely heavily on surgeons' expertise, and final histopathological reports are usually only available days after surgery, precluding contemporaneous re-assessment of positive margins. Intraoperative optical imaging could address this unmet clinical need. Using mouse models of oral cavity carcinoma, we demonstrated that PARPi-FL, a fluorescent PARP inhibitor targeting the enzyme PARP1/2, can delineate oral cancer and accurately identify positive margins, both macroscopically and at cellular resolution. PARPi-FL also allowed identification of compromised margins based on fluorescence hotspots, which were not seen in margin-negative resections and control tongues. PARPi-FL was further able to differentiate tumor from low-grade dysplasia. Intravenous injection of PARPi-FL has significant potential for clinical translation and could aid surgeons in assessing oral cancer margins in vivo.
Insights
A new fluorescent probe, PARPi-FL, can help surgeons identify oral cancer margins during surgery. This imaging agent accurately detects cancerous tissue and positive margins, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
- Biomedical Imaging
Background:
- Complete resection with negative margins is crucial for oral cavity carcinoma treatment.
- Current methods for margin assessment lack real-time feedback, delaying crucial surgical decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of PARPi-FL, a fluorescent PARP inhibitor, for intraoperative margin assessment in oral cancer.
- To determine if PARPi-FL can accurately delineate tumor boundaries and identify positive margins in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Utilized mouse models of oral cavity carcinoma.
- Administered PARPi-FL intravenously for optical imaging.
- Assessed fluorescence signals for tumor delineation and margin identification at macroscopic and cellular levels.
Main Results:
- PARPi-FL successfully delineated oral cancer and identified positive margins in mouse models.
- Fluorescence hotspots indicated compromised margins, absent in negative resections and controls.
- PARPi-FL differentiated between tumor and low-grade dysplasia.
Conclusions:
- Intraoperative optical imaging with PARPi-FL shows significant potential for clinical translation.
- This approach could assist surgeons in real-time assessment of oral cancer margins, improving surgical accuracy.
