Imaging Strategy that Achieves Ultrahigh Contrast by Utilizing Differential Esterase Activity in Organs: Application in Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer
Woong Hee Lee, Gwang Il An, Hyun Park, Swarbhanu Sarkar, Yeong Su Ha, Phuong Tu Huynh, Abhinav Bhise, Nikunj Bhatt, Jae Hun Ahn, Darpan N. Pandya, Jung Young Kim, Seok‐Ho Kim, Eunsung Jun, Song Cheol Kim, Kyo Chul Lee, Jeongsoo Yoo
Abstract
in colon tumor models. As a proof of concept, the liposomal radiotracer was further optimized for the early detection of pancreatic cancer. The folate-coated liposomal radiotracer showed highly selective tumor uptake. At 4 h postinjection, a pancreatic tumor a few millimeters in size was unambiguously visualized in orthotopic tumor models by PET imaging. At 24 h, an exceptionally high tumor-to-background ratio was achieved, enabling the visualization of tumors alone with minimal background noise. More than 9% of the total radioactivity was found in the tumor. Utilizing our imaging strategy, various tumor imaging agents can be developed for sensitive detection with ultrahigh contrast.