Real-time detection of epidermal growth factor receptor expression in fresh oral cavity biopsies using a molecular-specific contrast agent

Elizabeth R. Hsu, Ann M. Gillenwater, M. Qasim Hasan, Michelle D. Williams, Adel K. El-Naggar, Rebecca R. Richards-Kortum

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Early diagnosis of individuals with high risk of developing head and neck squamous carcinoma should lead to decreased morbidity and increased survival. To aid in noninvasive early detection of oral neoplasia in vivo, we have developed a molecular-specific fluorescent contrast agent, consisting of a far-red fluorescent dye coupled to a monoclonal antibody targeted against the epidermal growth factor receptor. In our study, we used organ cultures of normal and neoplastic human oral tissue to evaluate the capabilities of using this contrast agent to enhance clinical diagnosis. Fresh tissue sections were prepared from 34 biopsies of clinically normal and abnormal oral mucosa from 17 consenting patients. Samples were exposed to contrast agent, rinsed and the presence of bound agent was detected using fluorescence confocal microscopy. Simple assays to assess cytotoxicity of the dye used in the agent and to determine labeling efficacy at physiologic temperatures were also performed. Results indicate that the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of samples with dysplasia and cancer are higher than that of the normal sample from the same patient, and that this increase in fluorescence could potentially be used in the early detection and delineation of premalignant lesions. Normal tissue could be distinguished from cancer or moderate dysplasia, using either the ratio of the MFI of abnormal to normal tissue or the MFI obtained from the epithelial surface. No detrimental effects from the dye were observed over a 4-day period. These results indicate that the use of this optical contrast agent could yield important clinical advantages for noninvasive early detection and molecular characterization of oral mucosa.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3062-3071
Number of pages10
JournalInternational Journal of Cancer
Volume118
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 15 2006

Keywords

  • Epidermal growth factor receptor
  • Fluorescent contrast agent
  • Molecular-specific contrast agent

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Real-time detection of epidermal growth factor receptor expression in fresh oral cavity biopsies using a molecular-specific contrast agent'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this