Tumor-Targeting NIRF/MR Dual-Modal Molecular Imaging Probe for Surgery Navigation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical imaging
• Molecular imaging
• Nanotechnology in medicine

Background:

• Multimodality imaging offers valuable molecular and anatomic information for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• Current probes for surgical navigation often suffer from poor biocompatibility and tumor targeting specificity.
• There is a need for advanced imaging probes that enhance surgical precision and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel small-molecule bimodal imaging probe for precise cancer detection and intraoperative visualization.
• To assess the biocompatibility, tumor targeting, and imaging performance of the developed probe.
• To demonstrate the probe's utility in guiding tumor resection in preclinical models.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a small-molecule probe, Gd-NMC-3, combining near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging capabilities.
• In vitro and in vivo evaluation of Gd-NMC-3's accumulation, cytotoxicity, and biocompatibility in tumor models.
• Application of Gd-NMC-3 for real-time visual navigation during surgical tumor resection in LM3 orthotopic and subcutaneous models.

Main Results:

• Gd-NMC-3 demonstrated effective accumulation in tumor sites with significant NIRF signal and adequate MR relaxation properties.
• The probe exhibited low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility in both in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Successful real-time intraoperative navigation guided by Gd-NMC-3 led to complete tumor resection in preclinical models, confirmed by the absence of fluorescence post-operation.

Conclusions:

• Gd-NMC-3 is a promising bimodal imaging probe with high resolution and sensitivity for tumor imaging.
• Its ability to guide surgical navigation and confirm complete tumor removal holds significant clinical potential.
• The probe's favorable biocompatibility and targeting specificity address limitations of existing imaging agents.