Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Multi-photon Imaging of Tumor Cell Invasion in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: July 25, 2011
Translation of c-Met Targeted Image-Guided Surgery Solutions in Oral Cavity Cancer-Initial Proof of Concept Data
Tessa Buckle1,2, Maarten van Alphen2, Matthias N van Oosterom1,2
1Interventional Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Intraoperative tumor identification (extension/margins/metastases) via receptor-specific targeting is one of the ultimate promises of fluorescence-guided surgery. The translation of fluorescent tracers that enable tumor visualization forms a critical component in the realization of this approach. Ex vivo assessment of surgical specimens after topical tracer application could help provide an intermediate step between preclinical evaluation and first-in-human trials. Here, the suitability of the c-Met receptor as a potential surgical target in oral cavity cancer was explored via topical ex vivo application of the fluorescent tracer EMI-137. Freshly excised tumor specimens obtained from ten patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue were incubated with EMI-137 and imaged with a clinical-grade Cy5 prototype fluorescence camera. In-house developed image processing software allowed video-rate assessment of the tumor-to-background ratio (TBR). Fluorescence imaging results were related to standard pathological evaluation and c-MET immunohistochemistry. After incubation with EMI-137, 9/10 tumors were fluorescently illuminated. Immunohistochemistry revealed c-Met expression in all ten specimens. Non-visualization could be linked to a more deeply situated lesion. Tumor assessment was improved via video representation of the TBR (median TBR: 2.5 (range 1.8-3.1)). Ex vivo evaluation of tumor specimens suggests that c-Met is a possible candidate for fluorescence-guided surgery in oral cavity cancer.
Insights
This study shows that the c-Met receptor can be targeted with fluorescent tracers like EMI-137 for ex vivo tumor identification in oral cavity cancer, aiding surgical margin assessment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Innovation
- Molecular Imaging
Background:
- Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) aims for precise intraoperative tumor identification.
- Developing effective fluorescent tracers is key to advancing FGS.
- Ex vivo assessment of surgical specimens offers a bridge between preclinical and clinical studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the c-Met receptor as a target for FGS in oral cavity cancer.
- To assess the utility of the fluorescent tracer EMI-137 for ex vivo tumor visualization.
- To correlate fluorescence imaging with pathological findings.
Main Methods:
- Topical application of EMI-137 to ten ex vivo oral squamous cell carcinoma specimens.
- Imaging using a clinical-grade Cy5 prototype fluorescence camera.
- Analysis of tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) using custom software and correlation with c-MET immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- EMI-137 successfully illuminated 90% (9/10) of the oral tumors.
- c-Met expression was confirmed in all ten specimens via immunohistochemistry.
- Video-rate TBR assessment improved tumor evaluation, with a median TBR of 2.5.
Conclusions:
- The c-Met receptor is a viable target for FGS in oral cavity cancer.
- EMI-137 demonstrates potential as a fluorescent tracer for ex vivo specimen analysis.
- Ex vivo evaluation aids in validating tracers and targets for future clinical application.
