[Rapid Cancer Fluorescence Imaging by Activatable Fluorescent Probes]

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Oncology

Background:

• Cancer detection often relies on invasive or time-consuming methods.
• There is a need for rapid and accurate imaging techniques to guide surgical interventions.
• Enzyme activity is known to be altered in cancerous tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To showcase novel rapid cancer imaging techniques using activatable fluorescent probes.
• To develop probes that target enzymes with enhanced activity in cancer sites.
• To enable precise visualization and differentiation of cancerous lesions.

Main Methods:

• Development of activatable fluorescent probes with unique precision design.
• Targeting enzymes with reported enhanced activity in cancer sites.
• Screening of probes using clinical specimens for optimal performance.
• Application of probes via spraying for rapid in-situ visualization.

Main Results:

• Fluorescence characteristics of probes are significantly altered to distinguish cancer sites.
• Selective detection of cancer sites within minutes is achieved.
• Simultaneous imaging of multiple enzyme activities allows differentiation between malignant and benign lesions.

Conclusions:

• Activatable fluorescent probes offer a rapid and precise method for cancer imaging.
• This technology has the potential to significantly improve surgical precision and patient outcomes.
• Future applications include enhanced intraoperative guidance for oncological surgery.