Journal of Molecular Imaging & Dynamics
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-9937
ISSN: 2155-9937
The most prevalent cancer in humans, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), appears macroscopically and microscopically identical to many other skin lesions, making differential diagnosis challenging. With the goal of improving the precision and accuracy of diagnosis, we are developing a method for quantitative molecular imaging of BerEP4, a Trans membrane biomarker for BCC. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the affinity and selectivity of BerEp4 antibody and to see if it could be used to develop theranostic probes for BCC. We show that a film/pellet phantom can be used to recover individual signal increases using our photon-counting fluorescence macro detection method. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a two-photon stimulated fluorescence/backscatter confocal imaging system can view the BerEP4 antibody/antigen combination on the surface of BerEP4-expressing cancer cells in three dimensions. BerEP4 appears to be a viable biomarker for molecular imaging of BCC based on preliminary findings. We investigated the feasibility of imaging BCC with varied histologies using a combination macro/micro-optical method to prepare BerEP4 for eventual theranostic usage. These optical approaches, which allow for real-time monitoring of treatment, may pave the way for non-invasive diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
Published Date: 2021-09-20;