Detection and Localized Imaging of Cancer Using X-Ray Fluorescent Nanoparticle/Preferential Locator Conjugates

摘要

A method for detecting gold or other nanoparticles conjugated to preferential locators commences by contacting tissue suspected of being neoplastic with gold nanoparticle/preferential locator conjugates for a time adequate for the conjugates to bind with the tissue. A beam of gamma photons (such as from, ^99mTc) is directed at the conjugate bound tissue to remove electrons from the K-shell or L-shell, for example, of the gold nanoparticles. The removed electrons can be detected for locating neoplastic tissue or X-ray fluorescence corresponding to an electron transitioning from one shell to another shell can be detected, or by detecting resulting X-ray fluorescence corresponding to an electron transitioning from one shell to another shell, such as X-ray fluorescence arising from K-alpha emission corresponding to an electron transitioning from the L shell to the K shell. Additional X-ray fluorescing detecting molecules include Ag, I, Fe, Tc, Zn, Mn, Cr (trivalent).