To evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of molecular ultrasound imaging of tumor angiogenesis with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2)-targeted microbubbles.
Methods:
VEGFR2-targeted microbubbles were accomplished by anti-VEGFR2 monoclonal antibody conjugation to the microbubble surface using biotin-avidin linkage
which was assessed ex vivo using immunofluorescence. Ten mice bearing subcutaneous human liver
tumor were divided into two groups randomly (targeted group
n
=5; non-targeted group
n
=5) and scanned at 2 weeks after implantation with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) using either targeted or non-targeted microbubbles. Following CEUS
time-intensity curves were constructed offline and perfusion parameters were calculated. The residual bubble signal was determined 5 min after contrast agent injection with destruction-replenishment analysis.
Results:
Both targeted and non-targeted microbubbles revealed significant enhancement in vivo. A significant difference in area under the curve (AUC) was recorded between targeted group and non-targeted group [(3 940.4200.9) dBs
vs
. (2 796.8452.3) dBs
P
=0.001
]
. After the destruction sequence
there was a significant difference in the decrease of video intensity between targeted group and non-targeted group [(7.612.20) dB
vs
. (3.741.40) dB
P
=0.010
]
.
Conclusion:
Molecular ultrasound imaging with VEGFR2-targeted microbubbles is noninvasive
feasible and reproducible to assess tumor angiogenesis.
Preparation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2-targeted ultrasonic contrast agent and its ability of targeting tumor cells in vitro
Molecular ultrasound imaging with VEGFR2-targeted microbubbles in early assessment of antiangiogenic therapy in a mouse liver cancer model
Application value of a multifactorial predictive model based on clinical, pathological, and ultrasound features in the preoperative assessment of lymphovascular invasion in breast cancer
Research on the effectiveness of AI-based imaging standard management in enhancing the quality control of ultrasound physical examinations
Comparison of diagnostic yields and analysis of influencing factors of core needle biopsy guided by conventional ultrasound or contrast‑enhanced ultrasound for retroperitoneal tumors
Related Author
YUAN Haixia
WANG Hantao
KONG Wentao
KONG Wentao
ZHANG Xiaolong
LI Cuixian
ZHANG Weibin
Related Institution
Department of Ultrasound, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University
Department of Ultrasound, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School