Scientists at Harvard Medical School in Cambridge, MA, have developed a contrast agent that selectively targets and highlights malignant microcalcifications in the breast, while ignoring similar microcalcifications found in benign breast conditions.
The contrast agents are designed using a combination of bisphosphonate with a near-infrared fluorophore. It is avid to hydroxyapatite, which is typically found in greater concentration in malignant breast tumors. The new technique was unveiled at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society in Chicago earlier this week.
The agent is visualized with optical tomography, which allows physicians to reconstruct a 3D image of tissues deep inside the breast, according to the researchers. Recent studies at Harvard have shown that the new agent works well in large animals approaching the size of humans, and that it can be used to guide surgeons performing procedures near growing bone.
Future studies will focus on translating the new compound to the clinic for human testing, the scientists said.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
March 30, 2007
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