Ex vivo near-infrared targeted imaging of human bladder carcinoma by ICG-anti-CD47

Abstract

ObjectiveThe low detection rate of early-stage and small tumors remains a clinical challenge. A solution to this unmet need is urgently warranted for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer (BC). This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of CD47 as a target for optical molecular imaging of human BC and conduct preliminary ex vivo imaging experiments.MethodUsing indocyanine green (ICG) and a CD47 antibody (anti-CD47), we synthesized a new targeted fluorescent probe ICG-anti-CD47. A total of 25 patients undergoing radical cystectomy were prospectively included in ex vivo imaging experiments. Following surgery, the freshly isolated bladder specimens were incubated with ICG-anti-CD47, and images were captured under white light and near-infrared (NIR) light. Standard histopathologic evaluation was performed, and findings were correlated with those of CD47-targeted NIR molecular imaging.ResultsBased on the ex vivo imaging experiments, 23 and 2 patients were pathologically diagnosed with bladder urothelial carcinoma and bladder squamous cell carcinoma, respectively. There were no adverse effects of ICG-anti-CD47 on the histological structure of the tumor and normal uroepithelium. In the NIR grayscale images, the mean fluorescence intensity of the tumor tissue was significantly higher than that of the adjacent normal background tissue, which markedly improved tumor visualization.ConclusionAnti-CD47-targeted NIR molecular imaging may be a feasible and powerful strategy for the accurate diagnosis of BC. Nevertheless, larger-scale randomized trials are warranted to verify the present findings.

Advances in optical molecular imaging for neural visualization

“…In 2022, our team developed a solution for multi-mode three-dimensional optical molecular imaging intraoperative navigation imaging technology. This solution achieved a precise fusion of targeted optical molecular imaging and visible light images, accurately depicting the relationship between the three-dimensional structure of the target lesion and the surrounding tissue’s three-dimensional anatomy ( Yang et al, 2022 ; Hao et al, 2023 ).…”

“…These devices are currently capable of serving in endoscopic, laparoscopic, and open surgery procedures ( Pogue and Rosenthal, 2021 ). With the advancement of imaging technology, the optical molecular imaging system has evolved to include independent imaging in visible light ( Alfano et al, 1998 ) and NIR regions ( Ntziachristos et al, 2003 ), bimodal imaging ( Jathoul et al, 2014 ), multimodal imaging ( Wang et al, 2020 ; Liu et al, 2022 ), 3D fluorescence imaging ( Choi et al, 2020 ), color fusion imaging ( Hao et al, 2023 ), and other modes. These improvements have significantly enhanced the doctor’s ability to visualize during operations.…”

“…Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology frontiersin.org fusion imaging (Hao et al, 2023), and other modes. These improvements have significantly enhanced the doctor's ability to visualize during operations.…”