PMID: 18712683Aug 21, 2008Paper

In vivo fluorescence of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid: a technology with potential to improve visualization of malignant tissue at surgical resection

Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
Terence E JohnsonRobert M Hoffman

Abstract

Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid requires aggressive treatment because of its potential to metastasize and because of the current limitations of preoperative localization and systemic therapy. If these tumors could be made to fluoresce in vivo with tagged fluorophore antibodies against tumor antigens, surgeons would be able to obtain additional information in the operating room to facilitate a more complete resection. Based on the success of our previous work in breast and colon cancer models, we conducted an animal study of in vivo tumor fluorescence of a human medullary thyroid cell line in which bright tumor fluorescence is visible during dissection. To accomplish this, we used an inexpensive and commercially available handheld, blue (470 nm), light-emitting diode flashlight and filtered goggles (520 nm). This procedure, which we call the fluorescent antibody-assisted surgical technique (FAAST), is easy to perform, requires no complex or expensive technical equipment, and has the potential to be applied to a wide variety of tumors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experiment of its kind to be reported in the literature.

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.