Folate receptor-targeted molecular imaging improves identification of malignancy during pulmonary resection: a case report

Abstract Background During minimally invasive pulmonary resection, both limited visualization and tactile feedback can make localization of pulmonary nodules and assessment for synchronous disease challenging. Intraoperative molecular imaging is an emerging technology that can enhance a surgeon’s ability to detect cancers at the time of resection. Case presentation In this report, we describe the application of a folate receptor-targeted, near infrared optical contrast agent (OTL38) for the detection of an invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma. During molecular imaging, an otherwise undetectable synchronous nodule was also identified. This finding resulted in intraoperative upstaging and operative plan modifications. Conclusion This report marks the first successful utilization of a targeted, near infrared intraoperative molecular imaging probe useful for thoracic malignancies. This rapidly evolving technology may enhance the surgeon’s ability to perform a number of oncologic procedures including tumor localization, margin assessment and intraoperative staging

Tracheal glomus tumor: a case report and review of the literature

Glomus tumors are rare neoplasms that typically occur within the dermis or subcutis of the subungual space. Primary glomus tumors of the thorax are exceedingly uncommon, thus standard-of-care management is lacking. In this report we describe the management of a patient presenting with a symptomatic glomus tumor of the posterior trachea, and provide a comprehensive review including all documented tracheal glomus tumor reports

Near-Infrared Intraoperative Imaging Can Successfully Identify Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a deadly disease. Complete surgical resection provides patients with the best opportunity for long-term survival. Unfortunately, identification of disease during resection can be challenging. In this report, we describe successful intraoperative utilization of the near-infrared imaging agent, indocyanine green, to help the surgeon identify malignant disease in a patient with malignant pleural mesothelioma who had previously received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This technology may ultimately enhance the thoracic surgeon’s ability to identify small disease deposits at the time of resection

Vascular Endothelial-Targeted Therapy Combined with Cytotoxic Chemotherapy Induces Inflammatory Intratumoral Infiltrates and Inhibits Tumor Relapses after Surgery1

Surgery is the most effective therapy for cancer in the United States, but disease still recurs in more than 40% of patients within 5 years after resection. Chemotherapy is given postoperatively to prevent relapses; however, this approach has had marginal success. After surgery, recurrent tumors depend on rapid neovascular proliferation to deliver nutrients and oxygen. Phosphatidylserine (PS) is exposed on the vascular endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment but is notably absent on blood vessels in normal tissues. Thus, PS is an attractive target for cancer therapy after surgery. Syngeneic mice bearing TC1 lung cancer tumors were treated with mch1N11 (a novel mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets PS), cisplatin (cis), or combination after surgery. Tumor relapses and disease progression were decreased 90% by combination therapy compared with a 50% response rate for cis alone (P = .02). Mice receiving postoperative mch1N11 had no wound-related complications or added systemic toxicity in comparison to control animals. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the effects of mch1N11 were associated with a dense infiltration of inflammatory cells, particularly granulocytes. This strategy was independent of the adaptive immune system. Together, these data suggest that vascular-targeted strategies directed against exposed PS may be a powerful adjunct to postoperative chemotherapy in preventing relapses after cancer surgery