P4C-1 Tumor Enhanced Imaging and Treatment with Targeted Phase-Change Nano Particles

We aim to provide the least invasive method of early stage tumor therapy by utilizing ultrasound along with a novel contrast agent, phase change nano- particles (PCNP). As concentration of PCNP confines its imaging capability, it is crucial to increase local concentration of PCNP in a tumor. In this study, an antibody with affinity toward neovascular and tumor cells was conjugated to PCNP and its effectiveness upon visualization was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Antibody-conjugated PCNP demonstrated binding selectivity towards endothelial cells in vitro. When targeted and non-targeted PCNP were injected into mice, targeted group generated more microbubbles from 5 minutes post injection and prolonged imaging time window by 85%. Furthermore, it was indicated that targeted group visualizes not only blood vessels but also neighboring interstitial tissues. The angiogenesis- targeting antibody showed promising effect in tumor enhanced imaging with PCNP in significantly short period of time and this scheme could possibly be applied to other nano-sized particles as well.