Technologies

Researchers at Stanford have developed a dual modality, 18F positron emission tomography (PET)/near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging probe to identify, grade and visualize astrocytic gliomas. Treatment for astrocytic gliomas, a common type of primary brain tumor, often includes surgery to remove the tumor. The more invasive the tumor, the more difficult it is to completely remove it as current imaging techniques have limitations that prevent accurate identification and visualization of diffuse and deeply embedded tumor tissue. To help overcome these limitations the inventors have developed a dual mode, 18F PET/NIRF probe to selectively identify, grade and visualize astrocytic gliomas. The probe uses a molecular logic gate design strategy and targets an established biomarker. The PET portion of the probe allows non-invasive identification, grading and monitoring of both diffuse and focal tumor growth, whereas the NIRF portion may be used in fluorescence guided surgery to allow direct visualization of the diffuse and deeply embedded tumor tissue. This probe may help facilitate complete surgical resection of astrocytic gliomas and thus improve patient outcomes.