Intravital fiber-optic fluorescence imaging for monitoring ovarian carcinoma progression and treatment response

Our laboratory has constructed a custom fluorescence microendoscope for detecting and monitoring tumor nodules in a mouse model of metastatic ovarian carcinoma (OVCA). The microendoscope is being applied for tumor recognition and for quantifying tumor burden reduction following photodynamic therapy (PDT). Benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid ring A (BPD-MA), a photosensitizing agent for PDT, is administered to the mice and imaged with the microendoscope prior to PDT. BPD-MA fluorescence is a convenient means for locating tumor sites and quantifying tumor burden (despite the fact that BPD-MA is a non-targeted contrast agent). The miniature, flexible microendoscope probe is delivered via a 14-gauge catheter for imaging metastases along the outer surfaces of the internal organs and the inner walls of the peritoneal cavity. The minimal invasiveness of this approach facilitates frequent imaging of the mice in order to monitor cancer progression and treatment response. We present promising data for intravital imaging of treatment response following PDT and new developments in the microendoscope instrumentation for improved image quality.