Luminescence targeting and imaging using a nanoscale generation 3 dendrimer in an in vivo colorectal metastatic rat model

摘要

Surgery is currently the best approach for treating either primary or metastatic hepatic malignancies. Since only 20% of patients with hepatic cancer are operable, regional therapies (RT) are emerging as alternate treatment modalities. However, RT's can have their own limitations at controlling tumor growth or lack the ability to detect such metastases. More can be done to enhance their efficacy. An animal model of hepatic metastases coupled with a gastroduodenal artery (GDA) cannulation technique may provide a site to apply such therapies. In our study, splenic injections were performed with CC531 adenocarcinoma cells, which generated metastatic hepatic tumors in WAG/RijHsd rats. Cannulation of GDA was achieved via a polyethylene catheter. Infusion of generation 3 polyamidoamine 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide containing 8 europium ions (Eu-G3P4A18N) dendrimer via the GDA resulted in luminescence of the hepatic metastatic nodules. Imaging of the metastatic hepatic nodules was obtained with the help of a digital charge coupled device camera.