title: In vivo optical imaging using quantum dots for the management of brain tumors.
abstract: The surgical management of brain tumors requires the precise localization of tumor tissues within normal brain parenchyma in order to achieve accurate diagnostic biopsy and complete surgical resection. Quantum dots are optical semiconductor nanocrystals that exhibit stable, bright fluorescence. The intravenous injection of quantum dots is accompanied by reticuloendothelial system and macrophage sequestration. Macrophages infiltrate brain tumors and phagocytize intravenously injected quantum dots, optically labeling the tumors. Macrophage-mediated delivery of quantum dots to brain tumors may represent a novel technique to label tumors preoperatively. Quantum dots within tumors may be detected with optical imaging and optical spectroscopy tools, providing the surgeon with real-time optical feedback during the resection and biopsy of brain tumors.
authors.affiliation: Brain Tumor Institute, Desk R20, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
authors.forename: Madalina Alexandra
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Popescu
authors.forename: Steven A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Toms
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008954:Models, Biological; D053758:Nanoparticles; D045663:Quantum Dots; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D005290:Ferric Compounds; C000499:ferric oxide