Assessment of a liposomal CT/optical contrast agent for image-guided head and neck surgery

Nanomedicine. 2021 Feb:32:102327. doi: 10.1016/j.nano.2020.102327. Epub 2020 Nov 19.

Abstract

This study evaluates a long-acting liposomal fluorescence / CT dual-modality contrast agent (CF800) in head and neck cancer to enhance intraoperative tumor demarcation with fluorescence imaging and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CF800 was administered to 12 buccal cancer-bearing rabbits. Imaging was acquired at regular time points to quantify time-dependent contrast enhancement. Surgery was performed 5-7 days after, with intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence endoscopy and CBCT, followed by histological and ex-vivo fluorescence assessment. Tumor enhancement on CT was significant at 24, 96 and 120 hours. Volumetric analysis of tumor segmentation showed high correlation between CBCT and micro-CT. Fluorescence signal was apparent in both ex-vivo and in-vivo imaging. Histological correlation showed [100%] specificity for primary tumor. Sensitivity and specificity of CF800 in detecting nodal involvement require further investigation.CF800 is long acting and has dual function for CT and fluorescence contrast, making it an excellent candidate for image-guided surgery.

Keywords: Fluorescence-guided surgery; Head and neck cancer; Image-guided surgery; Nanoparticle; Oral cavity cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
  • Contrast Media / chemistry*
  • Fluorescence
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Injections
  • Liposomes / administration & dosage
  • Liposomes / pharmacokinetics
  • Lymph Nodes / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Optical Imaging*
  • Rabbits
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • X-Ray Microtomography

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Contrast Media
  • Liposomes

Grants and funding