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Heterogeneous tumor blood oxygenation dynamics during phototherapy deciphered with real-time label-free photoacoustic imaging

  • 0Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA USA.
Npj Acoustics +

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June 9, 2025

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June 9, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Ultrasound-guided photoacoustic imaging (US-PAI) monitors tumor oxygen levels during photodynamic therapy (PDT). This real-time mapping of oxygen consumption and reoxygenation aids in personalizing cancer treatments and optimizing PDT dosing.

Area Of Science

  • Biomedical optics
  • Cancer research
  • Medical imaging

Background

  • Tumor hypoxia impacts cancer therapy efficacy.
  • Ultrasound-guided photoacoustic imaging (US-PAI) measures blood oxygen saturation (StO2).
  • US-PAI predicts photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy but lacks real-time monitoring.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To demonstrate heterogeneous oxygen consumption during PDT using integrated US-PAI.
  • To enable real-time StO2 monitoring for adaptive PDT dosing.
  • To assess post-PDT vascular function and reoxygenation dynamics.

Main Methods

  • Integrated US-PAI transducer with light delivery fibers.
  • Applied to murine tumor models undergoing vascular-targeting benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD) PDT.
  • Real-time StO2 mapping and immunohistochemistry for vascular confirmation.

Main Results

  • Demonstrated heterogeneous oxygen consumption during PDT in real time.
  • Mapped dose-dependent oxygen utilization across tumor regions.
  • Confirmed retained vascular function in reoxygenated areas post-PDT.

Conclusions

  • US-PAI facilitates online dosimetry for cancer therapies like PDT.
  • Real-time oxygenation mapping improves understanding of tumor response to therapy.
  • US-PAI shows significant potential for personalized cancer treatment strategies.

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