X-ray Scatter Imaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Mouse Model Using Nanoparticle Contrast Agents.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide and is almost uniformly fatal. Current methods of detection include ultrasound examination and imaging by CT scan or MRI; however, these techniques are problematic in terms of sensitivity and specificity, and the detection of early tumors (<1 cm diameter) has proven elusive. Better, more specific, and more sensitive detection methods are therefore urgently needed. Here we discuss the application of a newly developed x-ray imaging technique called Spatial Frequency Heterodyne Imaging (SFHI) for the early detection of HCC. SFHI uses x-rays scattered by an object to form an image and is more sensitive than conventional absorption-based x-radiography. We show that tissues labeled in vivo with gold nanoparticle contrast agents can be detected using SFHI. We also demonstrate that directed targeting and SFHI of HCC tumors in a mouse model is possible through the use of HCC-specific antibodies. The enhanced sensitivity of SFHI relative to currently available techniques enables the x-ray imaging of tumors that are just a few millimeters in diameter and substantially reduces the amount of nanoparticle contrast agent required for intravenous injection relative to absorption-based x-ray imaging.
Department of Chemistry, Brown University. 324 Brook Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02912 (USA).
Danielle
D
Rand
The Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. 55 Claverick Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903 (USA).
Zoltan
Z
Derdak
The Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. 55 Claverick Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903 (USA).
Rolf
R
Carlson
The Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. 55 Claverick Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903 (USA).
Jack R
JR
Wands
Department of Chemistry, Brown University. 324 Brook Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02912 (USA).
Christoph
C
Rose-Petruck
D000818:Animals; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008114:Liver Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D051379:Mice; D041681:NIH 3T3 Cells; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D011859:Radiography; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media