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Visualization of Brain Tumors with Infrared-Labeled Aptamers for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery
Galina Zamay1,2,3, Anastasia Koshmanova1, Andrey Narodov1,2
1Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|August 26, 2024
Summary
A new infrared imaging agent, IR-Glint, helps surgeons precisely visualize infiltrating glioma brain tumors during surgery. This aptamer-based fluorescence-guided surgery improves tumor boundary identification and resection accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Biotechnology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Gliomas are difficult to treat due to their infiltrative growth, making precise surgical resection challenging.
- Accurate identification of tumor margins is critical for effective glioma treatment and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel contrast agent, IR-Glint, for intraoperative visualization of human glial tumors.
- To assess the potential of aptamer-assisted fluorescence-guided surgery (AptaFGS) for improving glioma resection.
Main Methods:
- Developed IR-Glint, an infrared-labeled Glint aptamer contrast agent.
- Assessed IR-Glint specificity using flow cytometry and microscopy on cell cultures.
- Evaluated in vivo effectiveness in mouse and rabbit glioma models using PET/CT, fluorescence imaging, and confocal microscopy.
Main Results:
- IR-Glint demonstrated specificity for glial tumors.
- The agent successfully visualized gliomas in vivo, penetrating the blood-brain barrier.
- Both intravenous and surface applications allowed clear tumor visualization, with surface application reducing dosage and potential toxicity.
Conclusions:
- IR-Glint is a promising tool for intraoperative visualization of gliomas via infrared imaging.
- AptaFGS using IR-Glint can enhance the accuracy of tumor boundary detection during brain surgery.
- This technology holds potential for advancing neurosurgical techniques and improving patient care.

