Targeted fluorophore-labeled contrast agents are moving toward translation to human surgical use. To prepare for future clinical use, we examined the performance of potential ligands targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor, α5β3 integrins, and GLUT transporters for their suitability as directed contrast agents. Each agent was labeled with IRDye 800CW, and near-infrared dye with excitation/emission wavelengths of 789/805 nm, which we determined had favorable toxicity characteristics. The probe molecules examined consisted of Affibodies, nanobodies, peptides, and the sugar 2-deoxy-D-glucose. Each probe was tested for specific and non-specific binding in cell based assays. All probe types showed good performance in mouse models for detecting either spontaneous tumors or tumor xenografts in vivo. Each of the probes tested show promise for future human clinical studies.

Date Published: 9 March 2011
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 7965, Medical Imaging 2011: Biomedical Applications in Molecular, Structural, and Functional Imaging, 79651B (9 March 2011); doi: 10.1117/12.877387

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 7965:
Medical Imaging 2011: Biomedical Applications in Molecular, Structural, and Functional Imaging
John B. Weaver; Robert C. Molthen, Editor(s)