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Validation of a Three-Dimensional Head and Neck Spheroid Model to Evaluate Cameras for NIR Fluorescence-Guided Cancer
Claire Egloff-Juras1,2,3,4, Ilya Yakavets1,3, Victoria Scherrer3
1Université de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039, CRAN, F-54000 Nancy, France.
Abstract:
Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence-guided surgery is an innovative technique for the real-time visualization of resection margins. The aim of this study was to develop a head and neck multicellular tumor spheroid model and to explore the possibilities offered by it for the evaluation of cameras for NIR fluorescence-guided surgery protocols. FaDu spheroids were incubated with indocyanine green (ICG) and then included in a tissue-like phantom. To assess the capability of Fluobeam® NIR camera to detect ICG in tissues, FaDu spheroids exposed to ICG were embedded in 2, 5 or 8 mm of tissue-like phantom. The fluorescence signal was significantly higher between 2, 5 and 8 mm of depth for spheroids treated with more than 5 µg/mL ICG (p < 0.05). The fluorescence intensity positively correlated with the size of spheroids (p < 0.01), while the correlation with depth in the tissue-like phantom was strongly negative (p < 0.001). This multicellular spheroid model embedded in a tissue-like phantom seems to be a simple and reproducible in vitro tumor model, allowing a comparison of NIR cameras. The ideal configuration seems to be 450 μm FaDu spheroids incubated for 24 hours with 0.05 mg/ml of ICG, ensuring the best stability, toxicity, incorporation and signal intensity.
Insights
This study developed a head and neck tumor spheroid model for evaluating near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence-guided surgery cameras. The model effectively assessed indocyanine green (ICG) detection in tissue-like phantoms.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Technology
- Oncology
Background:
- Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence-guided surgery enhances real-time visualization of tumor margins.
- Evaluating cameras for NIR fluorescence-guided surgery requires robust preclinical models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a head and neck multicellular tumor spheroid model.
- To assess the model's utility for evaluating NIR fluorescence-guided surgery cameras and protocols.
Main Methods:
- FaDu multicellular tumor spheroids were incubated with indocyanine green (ICG).
- Spheroids were embedded in tissue-like phantoms at varying depths (2, 5, 8 mm).
- The capability of a Fluobeam® NIR camera to detect ICG was assessed.
Main Results:
- Higher ICG fluorescence signal was detected at depths up to 8 mm for spheroids treated with >5 µg/mL ICG (p < 0.05).
- Fluorescence intensity positively correlated with spheroid size (p < 0.01) and negatively with depth (p < 0.001).
- Optimal conditions identified: 450 μm spheroids incubated 24h with 0.05 mg/ml ICG.
Conclusions:
- The developed spheroid-in-phantom model is a simple, reproducible in vitro tool for comparing NIR cameras.
- This model aids in optimizing NIR fluorescence-guided surgery protocols for head and neck cancers.
