Targeted Gold Nanoparticle Contrast Agent for Digital Breast Tomosynthesis and Computed Tomography
Abstract
Targeted imaging agents use specific biomarkers that are present in tumor tissue to distinguish cancerous cells from their immediate benign environment. They are able to provide both structural and functional characteristics of the tumor such as shape, size, growth rate, and expression level of cell-surface markers. Today, the most commonly used x-ray contrast agents are iodine-based compounds [1]. However, the non-specific nature of these agents results in random vascular permeation, rapid renal clearance, and poor tumor-targeting potential. The research aims to design an imaging platform using targeted gold (Au) nanoparticles (NP) to accurately determine the level of HER2 density in solid tumors. The nanoparticles will be synthesized in-house, and functionalized with an anti-HER2/neu affibody (for targeting) and a polyethylene glycol moiety (for stabilization). HER2/neu is a cell surface receptor protein that is overexpressed in roughly 25-30% of all breast cancers [2, 3]. The success of any therapeutic agent targeted to HER2 will depend greatly on the accurate assessment of the level of HER2 density in tumors. The long-term goal of this project is to develop a system that can identify those patients who will benefit the most from HER2-targeted therapies, and consequently reduce unnecessary side-effects, avoid false negatives, and ultimately improve patient survival rates.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA543171
Entities
People
- Roshan Karunamuni
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania