Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 9, 2025
Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography for Functional Imaging in Vascular Research
Published on: June 8, 2022
In vivo assessment of vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy effects on tumor microvasculature using
Defu Chen1,2, Wu Yuan3,2,4, Hyeon-Cheol Park3
1School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
Abstract:
Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP) is an emerging treatment for tumors. The change of tumor vasculatures, including a newly-formed microvascular, in response to VTP, is a key assessment parameter for optimizing the treatment effect. However, an accurate assessment of vasculature, particularly the microvasculature's changes in vivo, remains challenging due to the limited resolution afforded by existing imaging modalities. In this study, we demonstrated the in vivo imaging of VTP effects on an A431 tumor-bearing window chamber model of a mouse with an 800-nm ultrahigh-resolution functional optical coherence tomography (UHR-FOCT). We further quantitatively demonstrated the effects of VTP on the size and density of tumor microvasculature before, during, and after the treatment. Our results suggest the promising potential of UHR-FOCT for assessing the tumor treatment with VTP in vivo and in real time to achieve an optimal outcome.
Insights
Ultrahigh-resolution functional optical coherence tomography (UHR-FOCT) enables real-time, in vivo imaging of tumor vasculature changes during vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP). This technology aids in optimizing VTP treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Optics
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP) is a promising tumor treatment modality.
- Assessing VTP's impact on tumor vasculature, especially microvasculature changes in vivo, is crucial for treatment optimization but challenging with current imaging techniques due to resolution limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the in vivo imaging capability of 800-nm ultrahigh-resolution functional optical coherence tomography (UHR-FOCT) for assessing VTP effects on tumor vasculature.
- To quantitatively evaluate the impact of VTP on tumor microvasculature size and density in real time.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an A431 tumor-bearing window chamber mouse model.
- Employed 800-nm ultrahigh-resolution functional optical coherence tomography (UHR-FOCT) for in vivo imaging.
- Quantitatively analyzed changes in tumor microvasculature size and density before, during, and after VTP treatment.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated in vivo imaging of VTP effects on tumor vasculature using UHR-FOCT.
- Quantitatively assessed VTP-induced changes in tumor microvasculature size and density.
- Showcased the real-time monitoring capabilities of UHR-FOCT during VTP treatment.
Conclusions:
- UHR-FOCT is a promising tool for real-time, in vivo assessment of VTP effects on tumor vasculature.
- This technology can aid in optimizing VTP treatment strategies for improved therapeutic outcomes.
