Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of EGFR-Overexpressing Tumors in the Mouse Xenograft Model Using scFv-IRDye800CW and Cetuximab-IRDye800CW

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Molecular Probes
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a key target in various cancers.
• EGFR overexpression is common in head and neck, colon, and breast cancers.
• Molecular imaging probes are crucial for detecting and characterizing EGFR-overexpressing tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel single-chain variable fragment (scFv)-based near-infrared (NIR) probe for imaging EGFR-overexpressing tumors.
• To compare the efficacy of the new probe against a clinically relevant antibody-based probe.

Main Methods:

• Production of a scFv-based NIR probe (cet.Hum.scFv-IRDye-800CW).
• Evaluation of the probe's tumor recognition and imaging capabilities in a mouse model.
• Comparison with a probe derived from cetuximab, an FDA-approved monoclonal antibody.

Main Results:

• The cet.Hum.scFv-IRDye-800CW probe successfully recognized EGFR-overexpressing tumors in mice.
• The scFv-based probe showed superior tumor imaging performance compared to the cetuximab-based probe.
• Higher tumor-to-background ratios and improved blood clearance rates were observed with the scFv-based probe.

Conclusions:

• The novel scFv-based NIR probe, cet.Hum.scFv-IRDye-800CW, is a promising tool for imaging EGFR-overexpressing tumors.
• This probe offers advantages over existing antibody-based imaging agents.
• Further development could enhance cancer detection and therapeutic strategies targeting EGFR.