Considerations for the use of contrast agents with diffuse in vivo flow cytometry to detect circulating cancer cell populations
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Developing novel fluorescence contrast agents for in vivo enumeration of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is crucial for accurate cancer metastasis monitoring. Current agents show promise but require improved specificity to avoid false positives from non-cancer cells.
Area Of Science
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Biotechnology
Background
- Metastasis, driven by circulating tumor cells (CTCs), is a primary cause of cancer mortality.
- Current CTC enumeration methods using blood samples are often inaccurate and cannot track changes over time.
- Flow cytometry relies on marker-driven analyses for CTC identification and enumeration.
Purpose Of The Study
- To define characteristics of effective CTC contrast agents for in vivo fluorescence imaging.
- To evaluate candidate contrast agents for their potential in non-invasive CTC enumeration.
- To assess contrast agents for fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) applications.
Main Methods
- Evaluated folate receptor-targeted (OTL38), pan-cathepsin targeted (VGT-309), and PSMA-targeted contrast agents.
- Tested agents in vitro using cell culture models.
- Assessed agent performance in vivo using murine models.
Main Results
- All tested agents demonstrated high uptake by target cell lines.
- A minor but significant labeling of non-cancer blood cells was observed.
- Rapid clearance and fluorogenic approaches reduced background fluorescence.
Conclusions
- Current fluorescence contrast agents show potential for CTC labeling but lack sufficient specificity.
- Non-specific labeling of blood cells leads to false-positive CTC counts.
- Enhanced agent design and multiplexing may improve specificity for accurate CTC detection.
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