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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.
Abstract:
Gliomas remain challenging brain tumors to treat due to their infiltrative nature. Accurately identifying tumor boundaries during surgery is crucial for successful resection. This study introduces an innovative intraoperative visualization method utilizing surgical fluorescence microscopy to precisely locate tumor cell dissemination. Here, the focus is on the development of a novel contrasting agent (IR-Glint) for intraoperative visualization of human glial tumors comprising infrared-labeled Glint aptamers. The specificity of IR-Glint is assessed using flow cytometry and microscopy on primary cell cultures. In vivo effectiveness is studied on mouse and rabbit models, employing orthotopic xenotransplantation of human brain gliomas with various imaging techniques, including PET/CT, in vivo fluorescence visualization, confocal laser scanning, and surgical microscopy. The experiments validate the potential of IR-Glint for the intraoperative visualization of gliomas using infrared imaging. IR-Glint penetrates the blood-brain barrier and can be used for both intravenous and surface applications, allowing clear visualization of the tumor. The surface application directly to the brain reduces the dosage required and mitigates potential toxic effects on the patient. The research shows the potential of infrared dye-labeled aptamers for accurately visualizing glial tumors during brain surgery. This novel aptamer-assisted fluorescence-guided surgery (AptaFGS) may pave the way for future advancements in the field of neurosurgery.
Insights
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.
