A New Imaging Platform for Visualizing Biological Effects of Non-Invasive Radiofrequency Electric-Field Cancer Hyperthermia

PLoS One. 2015 Aug 26;10(8):e0136382. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136382. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

Herein, we present a novel imaging platform to study the biological effects of non-invasive radiofrequency (RF) electric field cancer hyperthermia. This system allows for real-time in vivo intravital microscopy (IVM) imaging of radiofrequency-induced biological alterations such as changes in vessel structure and drug perfusion. Our results indicate that the IVM system is able to handle exposure to high-power electric-fields without inducing significant hardware damage or imaging artifacts. Furthermore, short durations of low-power (< 200 W) radiofrequency exposure increased transport and perfusion of fluorescent tracers into the tumors at temperatures below 41°C. Vessel deformations and blood coagulation were seen for tumor temperatures around 44°C. These results highlight the use of our integrated IVM-RF imaging platform as a powerful new tool to visualize the dynamics and interplay between radiofrequency energy and biological tissues, organs, and tumors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Animals
  • Diagnostic Imaging*
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Fluorescent Dyes / pharmacokinetics
  • Hyperthermia, Induced*
  • Intravital Microscopy / methods*
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Animal / pathology*
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Animal / therapy
  • Mice
  • Radio Waves*
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes