Progress in the Application of Fluorescent Probes for Surgical Navigation in Breast Cancer Models

Breast cancer surgery presents significant challenges, including difficulties in accurately localizing tumors, detecting small lesions, and identifying lymph node metastases, all of which compromise therapeutic outcomes and increase the risk of postoperative recurrence. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging technology has emerged as a promising tool for surgical navigation in breast cancer surgery due to its high resolution, real-time imaging capability, excellent biocompatibility, and minimal background interference. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in fluorescent probes for breast cancer surgical navigation with an emphasis on preclinical studies conducted in small animal models. These studies evaluate the feasibility and translational potential of various probes prior to their clinical application. The review examines the applications and performance evaluation of these probes in breast cancer, highlighting their potential to enhance tumor resection precision and reduce the risk of recurrence. Furthermore, future directions for developing fluorescent probes in breast cancer surgery are explored, emphasizing the role of technological innovation and interdisciplinary integration in improving surgical outcomes.