Simultaneous Detection of EGFR and VEGF in Colorectal Cancer using Fluorescence-Raman Endoscopy

Sci Rep. 2017 Apr 21;7(1):1035. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-01020-y.

Abstract

Fluorescence endomicroscopy provides quick access to molecular targets, while Raman spectroscopy allows the detection of multiple molecular targets. Using a simultaneous fluorescence-Raman endoscopic system (FRES), we herein demonstrate its potential in cancer diagnosis in an orthotopically induced colorectal cancer (CRC) xenograft model. In the model, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were targeted with antibody-conjugated fluorescence and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (F-SERS) dots. FRES demonstrated fast signal detection and multiplex targeting ability using fluorescence and Raman signals to detect the F-SERS dots. In addition, FRES showed a multiplex targeting ability even on a subcentimeter-sized CRC after spraying with a dose of 50 µg F-SERS dots. In conclusion, molecular characteristics of tumor cells (EGFR in cancer cell membranes) and tumor microenvironments (VEGF in the extracellular matrix) could be simultaneously investigated when performing a colonoscopy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / methods*
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • HT29 Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Molecular Imaging / methods
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism*

Substances

  • VEGFA protein, human
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors