The FLARE™ intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence imaging system: A first-in-human clinical trial in breast cancer sentinel lymph node mapping

Susan L. Troyan, Vida Kianzad, Summer L. Gibbs-Strauss, Sylvain Gioux, Aya Matsui, Rafiou Oketokoun, Long Ngo, Ali Khamene, Fred Azar, John V. Frangioni

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

594 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background. Invisible NIR fluorescent light can provide high sensitivity, high-resolution, and real-time imageguidance during oncologic surgery, but imaging systems that are presently available do not display this invisible light in the context of surgical anatomy. The FLARE™ imaging system overcomes this major obstacle. Methods. Color video was acquired simultaneously, and in real-time, along with two independent channels of NIR fluorescence. Grayscale NIR fluorescence images were converted to visible "pseudo-colors" and overlaid onto the color video image. Yorkshire pigs weighing 35 kg (n = 5) were used for final preclinical validation of the imaging system. A six-patient pilot study was conducted in women undergoing sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping for breast cancer. Subjects received 99mTc-sulfur colloid lymphoscintigraphy. In addition, 12.5 μg of indocyanine green (ICG) diluted in human serum albumin (HSA) was used as an NIR fluorescent lymphatic tracer. Results. The FLARE™ system permitted facile positioning in the operating room. NIR light did not change the look of the surgical field. Simultaneous pan-lymphatic and SLN mapping was demonstrated in swine using clinically available NIR fluorophores and the dual NIR capabilities of the system. In the pilot clinical trial, a total of nine SLNs were identified by 99mTc-lymphoscintigraphy and nine SLNs were identified by NIR fluorescence, although results differed in two patients. No adverse events were encountered. Conclusions. We describe the successful clinical translation of a new NIR fluorescence imaging system for imageguided oncologic surgery.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2943-2952
Number of pages10
JournalAnnals of surgical oncology
Volume16
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2009
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Oncology

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