Preclinical evaluation of EpCAM-binding designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) as targeting moieties for bimodal near-infrared fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging of cancer.

PURPOSE: Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) can play a key role in improving radical resection rates by assisting surgeons to gain adequate visualization of malignant tissue intraoperatively. Designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) possess optimal pharmacokinetic and other properties for in vivo imaging. This study aims to evaluate the preclinical potential of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-binding DARPins as targeting moieties for near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) and photoacoustic (PA) imaging of cancer. METHODS: EpCAM-binding DARPins Ac2, Ec4.1, and non-binding control DARPin Off7 were conjugated to IRDye 800CW and their binding efficacy was evaluated on EpCAM-positive HT-29 and EpCAM-negative COLO-320 human colon cancer cell lines. Thereafter, NIRF and PA imaging of all three conjugates were performed in HT-29_luc2 tumor-bearing mice. At 24 h post-injection, tumors and organs were resected and tracer biodistributions were analyzed. RESULTS: Ac2-800CW and Ec4.1-800CW specifically bound to HT-29 cells, but not to COLO-320 cells. Next, 6 nmol and 24 h were established as the optimal in vivo dose and imaging time point for both DARPin tracers. At 24 h post-injection, mean tumor-to-background ratios of 2.60 ± 0.3 and 3.1 ± 0.3 were observed for Ac2-800CW and Ec4.1-800CW, respectively, allowing clear tumor delineation using the clinical Artemis NIRF imager. Biodistribution analyses in non-neoplastic tissue solely showed high fluorescence signal in the liver and kidney, which reflects the clearance of the DARPin tracers. CONCLUSION: Our encouraging results show that EpCAM-binding DARPins are a promising class of targeting moieties for pan-carcinoma targeting, providing clear tumor delineation at 24 h post-injection. The work described provides the preclinical foundation for DARPin-based bimodal NIRF/PA imaging of cancer.

Endoglin/CD105-Based Imaging of Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review.

Molecular imaging of pathologic lesions can improve efficient detection of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. A shared pathophysiological feature is angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. Endoglin (CD105) is a coreceptor for ligands of the Transforming Growth Factor-ß (TGF-ß) family and is highly expressed on angiogenic endothelial cells. Therefore, endoglin-based imaging has been explored to visualize lesions of the aforementioned diseases. This systematic review highlights the progress in endoglin-based imaging of cancer, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and aortic aneurysm, focusing on positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, and ultrasound imaging. PubMed was searched combining the following subjects and their respective synonyms or relevant subterms: "Endoglin", "Imaging/Image-guided surgery". In total, 59 papers were found eligible to be included: 58 reporting about preclinical animal or in vitro models and one ex vivo study in human organs. In addition to exact data extraction of imaging modality type, tumor or cardiovascular disease model, and tracer (class), outcomes were described via a narrative synthesis. Collectively, the data identify endoglin as a suitable target for intraoperative and diagnostic imaging of the neovasculature in tumors, whereas for cardiovascular diseases, the evidence remains scarce but promising.

Cell-Based Tracers as Trojan Horses for Image-Guided Surgery.

Surgeons rely almost completely on their own vision and palpation to recognize affected tissues during surgery. Consequently, they are often unable to distinguish between different cells and tissue types. This makes accurate and complete resection cumbersome. Targeted image-guided surgery (IGS) provides a solution by enabling real-time tissue recognition. Most current targeting agents (tracers) consist of antibodies or peptides equipped with a radiolabel for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) labels, or a near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye. These tracers are preoperatively administered to patients, home in on targeted cells or tissues, and are visualized in the operating room via dedicated imaging systems. Instead of using these 'passive' tracers, there are other, more 'active' approaches of probe delivery conceivable by using living cells (macrophages/monocytes, neutrophils, T cells, mesenchymal stromal cells), cell(-derived) fragments (platelets, extracellular vesicles (exosomes)), and microorganisms (bacteria, viruses) or, alternatively, 'humanized' nanoparticles. Compared with current tracers, these active contrast agents might be more efficient for the specific targeting of tumors or other pathological tissues (e.g., atherosclerotic plaques). This review provides an overview of the arsenal of possibilities applicable for the concept of cell-based tracers for IGS.

Vitamin D in Head and Neck Cancer: a Systematic Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Observational studies have shown that serum 25-OH vitamin D [25(OH)D] is inversely associated with overall cancer risk in many malignancies. We performed a systematic literature review to determine whether vitamin D deficiency is related to head and neck cancer (HNC) etiology and outcome. RECENT FINDINGS: The search yielded five prospective studies reporting 25(OH)D levels prior to cancer diagnosis and their effect on the risk of HNC. Eight studies were cross-sectional or case-control studies, in which 25(OH)D levels were only measured after cancer diagnosis. Two studies found an inverse association between 25(OH)D level and HNC risk, while two other prospective cohort studies demonstrated no connection between 25(OH)D and HNC risk. Several studies reported cancer patients to have significantly lower 25(OH)D levels than controls. Associations between 25(OH)D and prognosis and mortality were variable. The link between vitamin D and HNC has so far only been investigated in a few observational, prospective, and case-control studies. Vitamin D deficiency may be more common in HNC patients than in the healthy population. There is no evidence for a causal relationship. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether low 25(OH)D concentrations play a role in the development or outcome of HNCs.

Increased expression of cancer-associated fibroblast markers at the invasive front and its association with tumor-stroma ratio in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The tumor microenvironment has a critical role in regulating cancer cell behavior. Tumors with high stromal content are associated with poor patient outcome. The tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) identifies colorectal cancers (CRC) with poor patient prognosis based on hematoxylin & eosin stained sections. The desmoplastic reaction consists to a great extent of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) of which different subtypes are known. The aim of this study is to investigate and quantify CAFs present in the tumor stroma of CRC stratified by the TSR to possibly add prognostic significance to the TSR. METHODS: The expression of established CAF markers was compared between stroma-low and stroma-high tumors using transcriptomic data of 71 stage I - III CRC. Based on literature, fibroblast and stromal markers were selected to perform multiplex immunofluorescent staining on formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor sections of patients diagnosed with stage III colon cancer. Antibodies against the following markers were used: αSMA, PDGFR -ß, FAP, FSP1 and the stromal markers CD45 and CD31 as reference. The markers were subsequently quantified in the stroma using the Vectra imaging microscope. RESULTS: The transcriptomic data showed that all CAF markers except one were higher expressed in stroma-high compared to stroma-low tumors. Histologically, stroma-high tumors showed a decreased number of FSP1+/CD45+ cells and a trend of an increased expression of FAP compared to stroma-low tumors. FAP was higher expressed at the invasive part compared to the tumor center in both stroma-high and stroma-low tumors. CONCLUSIONS: The increased expression of FAP at the invasive part and in stroma-high tumors might contribute to the invasive behavior of cancer cells. Future functional experiments should investigate the contribution of FAP to cancer cell invasion. Combining the quantity of the stroma as defined by the TSR with the activity level of CAFs using the expression of FAP may result in an expanded stroma-based tool for patient stratification.

Fluorescence- and multispectral optoacoustic imaging for an optimized detection of deeply located tumors in an orthotopic mouse model of pancreatic carcinoma.

A crucial point for the management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the decrease of R1 resections. Our aim was to evaluate the combination of multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) with fluorescence guided surgery (FGS) for diagnosis and perioperative detection of tumor nodules and resection margins in a xenotransplant mouse model of human pancreatic cancer. The peptide cRGD, conjugated with the near infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye IRDye800CW and with a trans-cyclooctene (TCO) tag for future click chemistry (cRGD-800CW-TCO), was applied to PDAC bearing immunodeficient nude mice; 27 days after orthotopic transplantation of human AsPC-1 cells into the head of the pancreas, mice were injected with cRGD-800CW-TCO and imaged with fluorescence- and optoacoustic devices before and 2, 6 and 24 hr after injection, before they were sacrificed and dissected with a guidance of FGS imaging system. Fluorescence imaging of cRGD-800CW-TCO allowed detection of the tumor area but without information about the depth, whereas MSOT allowed high resolution 3 D identification of the tumor area, in particular of small tumor nodules. Highly sensitive delineation of tumor burden was achieved during FGS in all mice. Imaging of whole-mouse cryosections, histopathological analysis and NIRF microscopy confirmed the localization of cRGD-800CW-TCO within the tumor tissue. In principle, all imaging modalities applied here were able to detect PDAC in vivo. However, the combination of MSOT and FGS provided detailed spatial information of the signal and achieved a complete overview of the distribution and localization of cRGD-800CW-TCO within the tumor before and during surgical intervention.

Morphological and phenotypical features of ovarian metastases in breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Autotransplantation of frozen-thawed ovarian tissue is a method to preserve ovarian function and fertility in patients undergoing gonadotoxic therapy. In oncology patients, the safety cannot yet be guaranteed, since current tumor detection methods can only exclude the presence of malignant cells in ovarian fragments that are not transplanted. We determined the need for a novel detection method by studying the distribution of tumor cells in ovaries from patients with breast cancer. Furthermore, we examined which cell-surface proteins are suitable as a target for non-invasive tumor-specific imaging of ovarian metastases from invasive breast cancer. METHODS: Using the nationwide database of the Dutch Pathology Registry (PALGA), we identified a cohort of 46 women with primary invasive breast cancer and ovarian metastases. The localization and morphology of ovarian metastases were determined on hematoxylin-and-eosin-stained sections. The following cell-surface markers were immunohistochemically analyzed: E-cadherin, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), human epidermal growth receptor type 2 (Her2/neu), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), αvß6 integrin and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). RESULTS: The majority of ovarian metastases (71%) consisted of a solitary metastasis or multiple distinct nodules separated by uninvolved ovarian tissue, suggesting that ovarian metastases might be overlooked by the current detection approach. Combining the targets E-cadherin, EMA and Her2/neu resulted in nearly 100% detection of ductal ovarian metastases, whereas the combination of EMA, Her2/neu and EpCAM was most suitable to detect lobular ovarian metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Examination of the actual ovarian transplants is recommended. A combination of targets is most appropriate to detect ovarian metastases by tumor-specific imaging.

Evaluation of EphA2 and EphB4 as Targets for Image-Guided Colorectal Cancer Surgery.

Targeted image-guided oncologic surgery (IGOS) relies on the recognition of cell surface-associated proteins, which should be abundantly present on tumor cells but preferably absent on cells in surrounding healthy tissue. The transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase EphA2, a member of the A class of the Eph receptor family, has been reported to be highly overexpressed in several tumor types including breast, lung, brain, prostate, and colon cancer and is considered amongst the most promising cell membrane-associated tumor antigens by the NIH. Another member of the Eph receptor family belonging to the B class, EphB4, has also been found to be upregulated in multiple cancer types. In this study, EphA2 and EphB4 are evaluated as targets for IGOS of colorectal cancer by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using a tissue microarray (TMA) consisting of 168 pairs of tumor and normal tissue. The IHC sections were scored for staining intensity and percentage of cells stained. The results show a significantly enhanced staining intensity and more widespread distribution in tumor tissue compared with adjacent normal tissue for EphA2 as well as EphB4. Based on its more consistently higher score in colorectal tumor tissue compared to normal tissue, EphB4 appears to be a promising candidate for IGOS of colorectal cancer. In vitro experiments using antibodies on human colon cancer cells confirmed the possibility of EphB4 as target for imaging.

Identification of cell-surface markers for detecting breast cancer cells in ovarian tissue.

PURPOSE: The safety of ovarian tissue autotransplantation in oncology patients cannot be ensured, as current tumor-detection methods compromise the ovarian tissue viability. Although non-destructive methods (for instance near-infrared fluorescence imaging) can discriminate malignant from healthy tissues while leaving the examined tissues unaffected, they require specific cell-surface tumor markers. We determined which tumor markers are suitable targets for tumor-specific imaging to exclude the presence of breast cancer cells in ovarian tissue. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of ten ovaries from premenopausal patients. Additionally, we screened a tissue microarray containing tumor tissue cores from 24 breast cancer patients being eligible for ovarian tissue cryopreservation. The following cell-surface tumor markers were tested: E-cadherin, EMA (epithelial membrane antigen), Her2/neu (human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2), αvß6 integrin, EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule), CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), FR-α (folate receptor-alpha), and uPAR (urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor). For each tumor, the percentage of positive breast tumor cells was measured. RESULTS: None of the ten ovaries were positive for any of the markers tested. However, all markers (except CEA and uPAR) were present on epithelial cells of inclusion cysts. E-cadherin was present in the majority of breast tumors: ≥90 % of tumor cells were positive for E-cadherin in 17 out of 24 tumors, and 100 % of tumor cells were positive in 5 out of 24 tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Of the markers tested, E-cadherin is the most suitable marker for a tumor-specific probe in ovarian tissue. Methods are required to distinguish inclusion cysts from breast tumor cells.

Preclinical evaluation of a novel CEA-targeting near-infrared fluorescent tracer delineating colorectal and pancreatic tumors.

Surgery is the cornerstone of oncologic therapy with curative intent. However, identification of tumor cells in the resection margins is difficult, resulting in nonradical resections, increased cancer recurrence and subsequent decreased patient survival. Novel imaging techniques that aid in demarcating tumor margins during surgery are needed. Overexpression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is found in the majority of gastrointestinal carcinomas, including colorectal and pancreas. We developed ssSM3E/800CW, a novel CEA-targeted near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) tracer, based on a disulfide-stabilized single-chain antibody fragment (ssScFv), to visualize colorectal and pancreatic tumors in a clinically translatable setting. The applicability of the tracer was tested for cell and tissue binding characteristics and dosing using immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, cell-based plate assays and orthotopic colorectal (HT-29, well differentiated) and pancreatic (BXPC-3, poorly differentiated) xenogeneic human-mouse models. NIRF signals were visualized using the clinically compatible FLARE™ imaging system. Calculated clinically relevant doses of ssSM3E/800CW selectively accumulated in colorectal and pancreatic tumors/cells, with highest tumor-to-background ratios of 5.1 ± 0.6 at 72 hr postinjection, which proved suitable for intraoperative detection and delineation of tumor boarders and small (residual) tumor nodules in mice, between 8 and 96 hr postinjection. Ex vivo fluorescence imaging and pathologic examination confirmed tumor specificity and the distribution of the tracer. Our results indicate that ssSM3E/800CW shows promise as a diagnostic tool to recognize colorectal and pancreatic cancers for fluorescent-guided surgery applications. If successfully translated clinically, this tracer could help improve the completeness of surgery and thus survival.

Expression of uPAR in tumor-associated stromal cells is associated with colorectal cancer patient prognosis: a TMA study.

BACKGROUND: The receptor for urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPAR) is associated with cancer development and progression. Within the tumor microenvironment uPAR is expressed by malignant cells as well as tumor-associated stromal cells. However, the contribution of uPAR expression in these stromal cells to malignancy and patient survival in colorectal cancer is still unclear. This study compares the association of uPAR expression in both colorectal tumor-associated stromal cells and neoplastic cells with clinico-pathological characteristics and patient survival using tissue micro arrays (TMA). METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining of uPAR expression was performed on tumor tissue from 262 colorectal cancer patients. Kaplan-Meier, log rank, and uni- and multivariate Cox's regression analyses were used to calculate associations between uPAR expression and patient survival. RESULTS: In the colorectal tumor-associated stromal microenvironment, uPAR is expressed in macrophages, (neoangiogenic) endothelial cells and myofibroblasts. uPAR expression in tumor-associated stromal cells and neoplastic cells (and both combined) were negatively associated with overall survival (OS) and Disease Free Survival (DFS). Uni- and multivariate Cox's regression analysis for combined uPAR expression in tumor-associated stromal and neoplastic cells showed significant and independent negative associations with OS and DFS. Only uPAR expression in tumor-associated stromal cells showed independent significance in the uni- and multivariate analysis for DFS. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a significant independent negative association between colorectal cancer patient survival and uPAR expression in especially tumor-associated stromal cells.

Circulating bone morphogenetic protein levels and delayed fracture healing.

OBJECTIVE: Despite adequate treatment 5-30% of bone fracture patients experience delayed union. During normal fracture union, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) induce healing through a sequential cascade of events. Improved fracture healing after BMP-2 or -7 supplementation in patients with impaired fracture union suggests a deficiency of one or more of these factors. We postulated that low levels of circulating BMPs may result in delayed bone healing. The aim of this study was to quantify differences in levels of circulating BMP-2, -4, -6, -7, and -9 in patients that have demonstrated normal or delayed fracture healing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Blood samples were collected from an unselected cohort of 65 patients that had been treated for a diaphyseal tibia or femur fracture. Patients were divided into a group with fracture healing within nine months after injury and a group with delayed fracture union. BMP plasma concentrations were quantified using ELISAs and compared between these two groups. RESULTS: Circulating plasma levels of BMP-2, -4, -6, and -7 did not differ between 34 patients with normal fracture healing and 31 patients with delayed fracture healing. Also the median BMP-9 plasma levels were not statistically different between the two groups of patients. However, the distribution in the patients with normal union showed a wider range (72-2496 pg/ml) compared with the delayed union group (120-816 pg/ml). CONCLUSION: In general, circulating BMP concentrations are not statistically different between patients who demonstrated normal or delayed fracture healing. High circulating BMP-9 levels seem to be associated with faster fracture healing, but are apparently not decisive.

Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor (uPAR) Cooperates with Mutated KRAS in Regulating Cellular Plasticity and Gemcitabine Response in Pancreatic Adenocarcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal cancers. Given the currently limited therapeutic options, the definition of molecular subgroups with the development of tailored therapies remains the most promising strategy. Patients with high-level gene amplification of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR/PLAUR) have an inferior prognosis. We analyzed the uPAR function in PDAC to understand this understudied PDAC subgroup's biology better. METHODS: A total of 67 PDAC samples with clinical follow-up and TCGA gene expression data from 316 patients were used for prognostic correlations. Gene silencing by CRISPR/Cas9, as well as transfection of uPAR and mutated KRAS, were used in PDAC cell lines (AsPC-1, PANC-1, BxPC3) treated with gemcitabine to study the impact of these two molecules on cellular function and chemoresponse. HNF1A and KRT81 were surrogate markers for the exocrine-like and quasi-mesenchymal subgroup of PDAC, respectively. RESULTS: High levels of uPAR were correlated with significantly shorter survival in PDAC, especially in the subgroup of HNF1A-positive exocrine-like tumors. uPAR knockout by CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in activation of FAK, CDC42, and p38, upregulation of epithelial makers, decreased cell growth and motility, and resistance against gemcitabine that could be reversed by re-expression of uPAR. Silencing of KRAS in AsPC1 using siRNAs reduced uPAR levels significantly, and transfection of mutated KRAS in BxPC-3 cells rendered the cell more mesenchymal and increased sensitivity towards gemcitabine. CONCLUSIONS: Activation of uPAR is a potent negative prognostic factor in PDAC. uPAR and KRAS cooperate in switching the tumor from a dormant epithelial to an active mesenchymal state, which likely explains the poor prognosis of PDAC with high uPAR. At the same time, the active mesenchymal state is more vulnerable to gemcitabine. Strategies targeting either KRAS or uPAR should consider this potential tumor-escape mechanism.

Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Candidate Biomarkers for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery of Myxofibrosarcoma Using an Objective Scoring Method.

INTRODUCTION: Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma subtype in elderly patients. Local recurrence (LR) remains a major concern as the lack of intraoperative guidance and an infiltrative growth pattern with long, slender tails hamper surgeons' ability to achieve adequate resection margins for MFS. Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) could overcome this concern by delineating tumor tissue during surgery. One of the most important steps to successful FGS is to define a tumor-specific biomarker that is highly overexpressed in tumor tissue while low or absent in adjacent healthy tissue. The aim of this study is to evaluate the expression of eight previously selected promising biomarkers for FGS in MFS tissue samples with adjacent healthy tissue using immunohistochemistry (IHC). METHODS: The following eight biomarkers were stained in seventeen paraffin-embedded MFS samples: tumor endothelial marker-1 (TEM-1, also known as endosialin/CD248), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1, also known as Flt-1), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2, also known as Flk1), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), platelet derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFR-α), and cluster of differentiation 40 (CD40, also known as TNFRSF5). A pathologist specializing in sarcoma annotated the margin between the tumor and adjacent healthy tissue in each MFS tissue sample. Subsequently, we used an objective IHC scoring method to assess and compare the difference in staining intensity between the tumor and adjacent healthy tissue, which is crucial for the use of FGS. RESULTS: TEM-1, VEGF-A, and PDGFR-α stained all MFS tumors, while the other biomarkers did not show expression in all MFS tumors. Ultimately, TEM-1 was identified as the most suitable biomarker for FGS in MFS based on higher tumor-to-background (TBR) staining intensity compared to VEGF-A and PDGFR-α, regardless of preoperative therapy. CONCLUSION: TEM-1-targeted FGS tracers should be further investigated to optimize MFS treatment.

Evaluation of Potential Targets for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery in Pediatric Ewing Sarcoma: A Preclinical Proof-of-Concept Study.

Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS), based on fluorescent tracers binding to tumor-specific biomarkers, could assist surgeons to achieve complete tumor resections. This study evaluated potential biomarkers for FGS in pediatric Ewing sarcoma (ES). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to assess CD99, CXCR4, CD117, NPY-R-Y1, and IGF-1R expression in ES biopsies and resection specimens. LINGO-1 and GD2 evaluation did not work on the acquired tissue. Based on the immunoreactive scores, anti-CD99 and anti-CD117 were evaluated for binding specificity using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy. Anti-GD2, a tracer in the developmental phase, was also tested. These three tracers were topically applied to a freshly resected ES tumor and adjacent healthy tissue. IHC demonstrated moderate/strong CD99 and CD117 expression in ES tumor samples, while adjacent healthy tissue had limited expression. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed high CD99 expression, along with low/moderate CD117 and low GD2 expression, in ES cell lines. Topical anti-CD99 and anti-GD2 application on ES tumor showed fluorescence, while anti-CD117 did not show fluorescence for this patient. In conclusion, CD99-targeting tracers hold promise for FGS of ES. CD117 and GD2 tracers could be potential alternatives. The next step towards development of ES-specific FGS tracers could be ex vivo topical application experiments on a large cohort of ES patients.

Prediction of Biomarker Expression on Primary Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Tissues Using Fine-Needle Biopsies: Paving the Way for a Patient-Tailored Molecular Imaging Approach.

BACKGROUND: Targeted molecular imaging may improve tumor cell identification during diagnosis and resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Although many molecular imaging biomarkers are (over)expressed in PDAC, intertumoral heterogeneity of biomarker expression hampers universal tracer administration. Preoperative, patient-specific screening and selection of the most optimal biomarker could therefore improve tumor delineation. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated whether fine-needle biopsy (FNB) specimens could be used to preoperatively predict biomarker expression in the corresponding primary PDAC specimen. METHODS: Expression of previously identified PDAC biomarkers αvß6, CEACAM5, EGFR, mesothelin, Lea/c/x, and sdi-Lea on FNB and corresponding primary tumor (PT) specimens (n = 45) was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and quantified using a semi-automated image analysis workflow. RESULTS: Biomarker expression on FNB and PT tissues showed high concordance (∆H-score ≤ 50), i.e. was present in 62% of cases for αvß6, 61% for CEACAM5, 85% for EGFR, 69% for mesothelin, 76% for Lea/c/x, and 79% for sdi-Lea, indicating high concordance. Except for αvß6, biomarker expression on FNB tissues was positively correlated with PT expression for all biomarkers. Subgroup analyses showed that neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) had no major and/or significant effect on concordance, expression difference and, except for mesothelin, correlation of biomarker expression between FNB and PT tissues. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that biomarker expression in FNB tissues is predictive for PT expression, irrespective of the application of NAT. These findings thereby provide the foundation for the clinical application of an FNB-based biomarker-screening workflow, eventually facilitating a patient-specific approach of molecular imaging tracer administration in PDAC.

Data-Driven Identification of Targets for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

PURPOSE: Intraoperative identification of lung tumors can be challenging. Tumor-targeted fluorescence-guided surgery can provide surgeons with a tool for real-time intraoperative tumor detection. This study evaluated cell surface biomarkers, partially selected via data-driven selection software, as potential targets for fluorescence-guided surgery in non-small cell lung cancers: adenocarcinomas (ADC), adenocarcinomas in situ (AIS), and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). PROCEDURES: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue slides of resection specimens from 15 patients with ADC and 15 patients with SCC were used and compared to healthy tissue. Molecular targets were selected based on two strategies: (1) a data-driven selection using > 275 multi-omics databases, literature, and experimental evidence; and (2) the availability of a fluorescent targeting ligand in advanced stages of clinical development. The selected targets were carbonic anhydrase 9 (CAIX), collagen type XVII alpha 1 chain (collagen XVII), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), G protein-coupled receptor 87 (GPR87), transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), folate receptor alpha (FRα), integrin αvß6 (αvß6), and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR). Tumor expression of these targets was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. A total immunostaining score (TIS, range 0-12), combining the percentage and intensity of stained cells, was calculated. The most promising targets in ADC were explored in six AIS tissue slides to explore its potential in non-palpable lesions. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in TIS between healthy lung and tumor tissue for ADC samples were found for CEA, EpCAM, FRα, αvß6, CAIX, collagen XVII, GLUT-1, and TMPRSS4, and of these, CEA, CAIX, and collagen XVII were also found in AIS. For SCC, EpCAM, uPAR, CAIX, collagen XVII, and GLUT-1 were found to be overexpressed. CONCLUSIONS: EpCAM, CAIX, and Collagen XVII were identified using concomitant use of data-driven selection software and clinical evidence as promising targets for intraoperative fluorescence imaging for both major subtypes of non-small cell lung carcinomas.

Side-by-Side Comparison of uPAR-Targeting Optical Imaging Antibodies and Antibody Fragments for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery of Solid Tumors.

PURPOSE: Radical resection is paramount for curative oncological surgery. Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) aids in intraoperative identification of tumor-positive resection margins. This study aims to assess the feasibility of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) targeting antibody fragments for FGS in a direct comparison with their parent IgG in various relevant in vivo models. PROCEDURES: Humanized anti-uPAR monoclonal antibody MNPR-101 (uIgG) was proteolytically digested into F(ab')2 and Fab fragments named uFab2 and uFab. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and cell assays were used to determine in vitro binding before and after fluorescent labeling with IRDye800CW. Mice bearing subcutaneous HT-29 human colonic cancer cells were imaged serially for up to 120 h after fluorescent tracer administration. Imaging characteristics and ex vivo organ biodistribution were further compared in orthotopic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (BxPc-3-luc2), head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (OSC-19-luc2-GFP), and peritoneal carcinomatosis (HT29-luc2) models using the clinical Artemis fluorescence imaging system. RESULTS: Unconjugated and conjugated uIgG, uFab2, and uFab specifically recognized uPAR in the nanomolar range as determined by SPR and cell assays. Subcutaneous tumors were clearly identifiable with tumor-to-background ratios (TBRs) > 2 after 72 h for uIgG-800F and 24 h for uFab2-800F and uFab-800F. For the latter two, mean fluorescence intensities (MFIs) dipped below predetermined threshold after 72 h and 36 h, respectively. Tumors were easily identified in the orthotopic models with uIgG-800F consistently having the highest MFIs and uFab2-800F and uFab-800F having similar values. In biodistribution studies, kidney and liver fluorescence approached tumor fluorescence after uIgG-800F administration and surpassed tumor fluorescence after uFab2-800F or uFab-800F administration, resulting in interference in the abdominal orthotopic mouse models. CONCLUSIONS: In a side-by-side comparison, FGS with uPAR-targeting antibody fragments compared with the parent IgG resulted in earlier tumor visualization at the expense of peak fluorescence intensity.

Colorectal polyps: Targets for fluorescence-guided endoscopy to detect high-grade dysplasia and T1 colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Differentiating high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and T1 colorectal cancer (T1CRC) from low-grade dysplasia (LGD) in colorectal polyps can be challenging. Incorrect recognition of HGD or T1CRC foci can lead to a need for additional treatment after local resection, which might not have been necessary if it was recognized correctly. Tumor-targeted fluorescence-guided endoscopy might help to improve recognition. OBJECTIVE: Selecting the most suitable HGD and T1CRC-specific imaging target from a panel of well-established biomarkers: carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET), epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), folate receptor alpha (FRα), and integrin alpha-v beta-6 (αvß6). METHODS: En bloc resection specimens of colorectal polyps harboring HGD or T1CRC were selected. Immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections was used to determine the biomarker expression in normal epithelium, LGD, HGD, and T1CRC (scores of 0-12). The differential expression in HGD-T1CRC components compared to surrounding LGD and normal components was assessed, just as the sensitivity and specificity of each marker. RESULTS: 60 specimens were included (21 HGD, 39 T1CRC). Positive expression (score >1) of HGD-T1CRC components was found in 73.3%, 78.3%, and 100% of cases for CEA, c-MET, and EpCAM, respectively, and in <40% for FRα and αvß6. Negative expression (score 0-1) of the LGD component occurred more frequently for CEA (66.1%) than c-MET (31.6%) and EpCAM (0%). The differential expression in the HGD-T1CRC component compared to the surrounding LGD component was found for CEA in 66.7%, for c-MET in 43.1%, for EpCAM in 17.2%, for FRα in 22.4%, and for αvß6 in 15.5% of the cases. Moreover, CEA showed the highest combined sensitivity (65.0%) and specificity (75.0%) for the detection of an HGD-T1CRC component in colorectal polyps. CONCLUSION: Of the tested targets, CEA appears the most suitable to specifically detect HGD and T1 cancer foci in colorectal polyps. An in vivo study using tumor-targeted fluorescence-guided endoscopy should confirm these findings.

Intraoperative Imaging Techniques to Improve Surgical Resection Margins of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Cancer: A Comprehensive Review of Current Literature.

Inadequate resection margins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma surgery necessitate adjuvant therapies such as re-resection and radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy and imply increasing morbidity and worse prognosis. On the other hand, taking larger margins by extending the resection also leads to avoidable increased morbidity. Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) are often difficult to access; resections are limited by anatomy and functionality and thus carry an increased risk for close or positive margins. Therefore, there is a need to improve intraoperative assessment of resection margins. Several intraoperative techniques are available, but these often lead to prolonged operative time and are only suitable for a subgroup of patients. In recent years, new diagnostic tools have been the subject of investigation. This study reviews the available literature on intraoperative techniques to improve resection margins for OPSCCs. A literature search was performed in Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane. Narrow band imaging (NBI), high-resolution microendoscopic imaging, confocal laser endomicroscopy, frozen section analysis (FSA), ultrasound (US), computed tomography scan (CT), (auto) fluorescence imaging (FI), and augmented reality (AR) have all been used for OPSCC. NBI, FSA, and US are most commonly used and increase the rate of negative margins. Other techniques will become available in the future, of which fluorescence imaging has high potential for use with OPSCC.