Tumor localization using fluorescence of indocyanine green (ICG) in rat models

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Abstract
The permeability of tumor blood vessels to contrast agents (Gd chelates) has formed the basis for MRI breast tumor identification. It is also believed that angiogenesis starts before further tumor growth. Here we report tumor detection and localization using the fluorescence of Indocyanine Green (ICG). ICG fluorescence is excited by CW NIR laser light with a central wavelength of 830 nm is recored as a function of time. Differential fluorescence signals were observed after a low-dose intraveneous injection of ICG aqueous solution in rat model experiments. The difference between the fluorescence signal from the tumor side and the fluorescence signal from the control side is detectable even when the tumor is very small. During the tumor exponential growth phase, the ratio of these two signals is approximately 2.5; the ratio of the initial ICG clearance velocity in the tumor leg to that in the control leg is about 3. New investigations on human subjects with breast tumors, or reoccurrence after breast tumors were removed, are underway, and preliminary differential fluorescence signals have been observed.

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