Chlorotoxin Conjugate for Tumor Margin Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for intra-operative identification of tumor margins in cancer surgery are imprecise, particularly in the brain, where residual tumors may remain due to the inability to distinguish tumor tissue from normal brain tissue effectively, despite advances in imaging and monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A chlorotoxin conjugate with red or near-infrared emitting fluorescent moieties is developed, allowing for intra-operative visualization of cancerous tissues by binding specifically to cancer cells expressing matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), enabling precise differentiation and removal of cancerous tissues during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional surgical methods are used for tumor resection, then surgical judgment and standard imaging are employed, but the precision of tumor margin identification deteriorates leading to residual tumor recurrence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fluorescent dyes that emit light in the red or near-infrared spectrum, causing tumor cells to visually stand out from normal tissue during surgery. This color/fluorescence change enables direct visual differentiation of tumor margins, directly improving measurement precision and reducing residual tumor recurrence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescently-labeled antibodies or other molecular probes as intermediaries that specifically bind to tumor-associated antigens or markers. These intermediaries act as mediators between the surgeon's visual system and the tumor cells, enabling precise identification of tumor margins that would otherwise be indistinguishable from normal tissue
2Reliability
If surgical resection is extended to remove all visible tumor tissue, then tumor recurrence is reduced, but the risk of harming vital structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
By causing tumor cells to fluoresce or change color, the patent provides clear visual boundaries between tumor and normal tissue. This enables surgeons to resect tumor margins with precision, removing all visible tumor tissue while stopping before damaging adjacent vital structures, thus improving resection reliability without increasing harm
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescently-labeled molecular probes serve as intermediaries that provide real-time visual feedback during surgery. This feedback mechanism allows surgeons to confidently extend resection to achieve complete tumor removal while the fluorescent marker continuously indicates the location of vital structures to avoid, balancing thoroughness with safety
3Loss of information
If conventional imaging guidance is used during surgery, then some tumor visualization is achieved, but the ability to distinguish tumor from normal brain tissue deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescent dyes that emit in the red or near-infrared spectrum, creating a visual contrast between tumor and normal tissue that is directly observable during surgery. This color/fluorescence information preserves and enhances tumor differentiation data, preventing information loss and improving boundary detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescently-labeled antibodies or molecular probes act as intermediaries that carry and display tumor-specific information in real-time during surgery. These intermediaries translate molecular-level tumor markers into visible fluorescent signals, preserving critical differentiation information and enabling precise boundary detection that conventional imaging cannot provide
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The chlorotoxin conjugate provides prolonged biophotonic imaging capabilities, allowing for the accurate visualization and removal of cancer cells, reducing the risk of residual tumors and improving surgical outcomes by enhancing the precision of tumor margin identification.
Implementation Method 1
one or more red or near infrared emitting fluorescent moieties covalently coupled to a chlorotoxin
Data Source
AI summary
A chlorotoxin conjugate detectable by fluorescence imaging that allows for intra-operative visualization of cancerous tissues, compositions that include the chlorotoxin conjugate, and methods for using the chlorotoxin conjugate.