Targeted SERS Imaging and Intraoperative Real-Time Elimination of Microscopic Tumors for Improved Breast-Conserving...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Breast-conserving surgery is preferred but risks tumor recurrence due to microscopic residual disease.
• Accurate tumor margin delineation and complete microscopic tumor removal are critical for surgical success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) surgical strategy for precise tumor margin delineation and intraoperative elimination of microscopic breast tumors.
• To assess the efficacy of HER2-targeting SERS probes in suppressing tumor growth and enabling photothermal ablation.

Main Methods:

• Development of multifunctional HER2-targeting SERS probes for sensitive detection and therapeutic intervention.
• Application of SERS-guided surgical resection combined with intraoperative photothermal ablation in a HER2+ breast tumor mouse model.

Main Results:

• The SERS strategy achieved precise delineation of tumor margins and real-time elimination of microscopic tumor foci.
• Complete eradication of HER2+ breast tumors was demonstrated, resulting in 100% tumor-free survival in the mouse model.
• The SERS probes exhibited ultrahigh sensitivity, HER2 expression suppression, cell proliferation inhibition, and effective photothermal ablation.

Conclusions:

• The developed SERS surgical strategy offers a promising approach for complete surgical removal of HER2+ breast tumors, significantly reducing local recurrence.
• This technique has the potential to improve outcomes and survival rates for patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery for HER2+ breast cancer.