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Updated: Jan 11, 2026
Tissue-simulating Phantoms for Assessing Potential Near-infrared Fluorescence Imaging Applications in Breast Cancer Surgery
Published on: September 19, 2014
Targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts for real-time intraoperative tumor identification with a spray-on fluorescent
Riley J Deutsch-Williams1, Yuxuan Xie2,3, Zachary Rabinowitz1
1Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St., CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Abstract:
Surgical tumor resection is often the only curative option for the nearly 20 million newly diagnosed patients with cancer every year. Fluorescence-guided surgery techniques are being developed in an effort to improve margin detection and surgical resection outcomes, with several systemically administered imaging agents having gained clinical approval. However, it has been challenging to overcome limited margin contrast with current approaches and to navigate procedural complexities of intravenous contrast delivery. We hypothesized that "spray-on probes" with specificity for fibroblast activation protein alpha in peritumoral fibroblasts could improve fluorescence-guided surgery, detect smaller tumors, improve imaging accuracy, and reduce the amount of times a patient is hospitalized. We show that this strategy increases achievable tumor margin contrast by 5- to 10-fold and detects even microscopic cancer deposits. These improvements have the potential to transform patient outcomes by enabling more accurate cancer surgeries, reducing the number of follow-up surgeries, and leading to personalized treatment plans.
Insights
New "spray-on probes" targeting fibroblast activation protein alpha significantly improve cancer surgery by enhancing tumor margin visibility 5- to 10-fold. This innovation promises more accurate resections and personalized cancer treatment plans.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Innovation
- Biomedical Imaging
Background:
- Surgical tumor resection is a primary curative option for millions of cancer patients annually.
- Current fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) faces challenges in margin contrast and contrast agent delivery.
- Improving intraoperative margin detection is crucial for successful cancer treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of novel "spray-on probes" for enhancing fluorescence-guided surgery.
- To assess if these probes improve tumor margin contrast and detect microscopic cancer deposits.
- To explore the potential of spray-on probes in improving surgical accuracy and reducing hospitalizations.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of spray-on probes targeting fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPα) in peritumoral fibroblasts.
- Utilizing fluorescence imaging to assess tumor margin contrast and detection capabilities.
- Comparison of outcomes with current FGS techniques.
Main Results:
- Spray-on probes increased achievable tumor margin contrast by 5- to 10-fold.
- The probes successfully detected microscopic cancer deposits, improving imaging accuracy.
- Demonstrated potential for improved surgical outcomes and personalized treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- Spray-on probes targeting FAPα represent a significant advancement in fluorescence-guided surgery.
- This approach offers enhanced visualization of tumor margins, potentially leading to more complete resections.
- The technology holds promise for transforming cancer surgery, reducing recurrence, and personalizing patient care.
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