Fluorescent Imaging and Photodynamic Treatment of Tumors
Description of Invention:
Available for licensing and commercial development are methods and compositions for optically detecting tumors, in particular disseminated intraperitoneal cancers. Unlike existing detection methods using avidin and/or galactosyl serum albumin (GSA), the current invention allows tumors to be visualized in situ, with high sensitivity and without hazardous radioactive probes. The invention also provides methods of treating tumors.
The invention describes the labeling of avidin and GSA with fluorophores. The fluorescently labeled agents selectively bind to cells expressing asialoglycoprotein receptors on the surface of tumor cells, such as in tumors of the ovary, stomach, colon or pancreas. Metastatic tumor cells can then be detected endoscopically, laparoscopically, or during surgery with an appropriate imaging system.
The fluorescently labeled avidin and GSA can be used diagnostically, but also have an application for treating cancer. Using photoactivatable fluorophores linked to avidin or GSA, free radicals can be produced which results in localized death of tumor cells upon exposure to excitation with the appropriate wavelength.
Applications:
Optical detection of tumor cells and metastatic nodules
Photodynamic treatment of tumors
Inventors:
Hisataka Kobayashi and Peter Choyke (NCI)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-335-2005/0 --
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/751,429 filed 16 Dec 2005
Licensing Status: Available for non-exclusive or exclusive licensing.
Collaborative Research Opportunity:
The National Cancer Institute Molecular Imaging Program is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize tumor specific imaging agents. Please contact Laurie Zipper, Ph.D., at 301/594-4650 or zipperl@mail.nih.gov for more information.
Portfolios: Devices/Instrumentation Cancer
Cancer -Diagnostics-In Vivo-Conjugate Chemistry Cancer -Diagnostics Cancer -Therapeutics Devices/Instrumentation-Diagnostics
For Additional Information Please Contact: Cristina Thalhammer-Reyero PhD MBA
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-4507
Email: thalhamc@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
