In Vitro and In Vivo Behavioral Evaluation of Condensed Lipid-Coated Perfluorocarbon Nanodroplets.

Objective: Phase-shift contrast agents consist of a liquid perfluorocarbon core that can be vaporized by ultrasound to generate echogenic contrast with excellent spatiotemporal control. The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo behavior of condensed lipid-shelled nanodroplets (NDs) using different analytical procedures.

Methods: Perfluorobutane NDs were prepared by condensation of precursor fluorescently labeled lipid-shelled microbubbles (MBs) and were characterized in terms of size distribution, gas core content and in vitro stability in blood, as well as for their acoustic vaporization behavior using a custom-made setup.

Ultrasound Molecular Imaging for the Guidance of Ultrasound-Triggered Release of Liposomal Doxorubicin and Its Treatment Monitoring in an Orthotopic Prostatic Tumor Model in Rat.

Liposome encapsulation of drugs is an interesting approach in cancer therapy to specifically release the encapsulated drug at the desired treatment site. In addition to thermo-, pH-, light-, enzyme- or redox-responsive liposomes, which have had promising results in (pre-) clinical studies, ultrasound-triggered sonosensitive liposomes represent an exciting alternative to locally trigger the release from these cargos. Localized drug release requires precise tumor visualization to produce a targeted and ultrasound stimulus.

Preliminary safety and imaging efficacy of the near-infrared fluorescent contrast agent DA364 during fluorescence-guided surgery in dogs with spontaneous superficial tumors.

Tumor-targeting contrast agents may facilitate resection of solid neoplasms during fluorescence-guided surgery. Preliminary safety and imaging efficacy of the near-infrared fluorescent probe DA364 were evaluated during surgical resection of spontaneous solid tumors in 24 dogs. Intra-operative imaging was performed and on excised specimens to evaluate fluorescence intensities of tumor and adjacent tissues.

Ultrasound Molecular Imaging With BR55, a Predictive Tool of Antiangiogenic Treatment Efficacy in a Chemo-Induced Mammary Tumor Model.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the added value of ultrasound molecular imaging of the vascular growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) expression, using the clinical grade contrast agent BR55, for the early evaluation of antiangiogenic treatment efficacy in a chemo-induced rat mammary tumor model.

Materials And Methods: In this preclinical study, chemo-induced rat mammary tumors were obtained after a single injection of N-nitroso-N-methylurea intraperitoneally in 46 prepubescent (age 38 ± 2 days) female rats. All experiments were performed under the authorization of the Direction Générale de la Santé, Geneva, Switzerland.