New optical imaging technology that is currently under development could “light up” cancer cells, allowing surgeons to remove more cancerous tissue than previously possible during procedures.
Development of the technology was spearheaded by Phillip Low, BS, the Ralph C. Corley Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Purdue University and the cofounder of On Target Laboratories.
Through the use of an optical imaging molecule known as OTL38, Low and fellow Purdue researchers are hoping to prove the safety and efficacy of the compound in patients with cancer. OTL38 achieved first-in-humans status at the Center for Human Drug Research at Leiden University.
“On Target Laboratories has developed small-molecules ligands, such as OTL38, that specifically target receptors overexpressed on solid tumors,” Dr. Low said. “We have attached them to proprietary fluorescent imaging agents that allow the cancers to light up during surgery. Surgery is pivotal for the treatment of solid tumors, and our developing technology could, in the future, be the guiding light for surgeons by enabling intra-operative visualization of most such tumors.”
He believes that further collaboration with surgeons at Leiden University will allow for better testing of the novel technology in different types of cancers.
“The image guided surgery program is a prime example of how novel molecules like OTL38 ideally should be developed,” said Adam Cohen, PharmD, CEO of the Center for Human Drug Research. “
New optical imaging technology that is currently under development could “light up” cancer cells.
On Target Laboratories LLC and Purdue University are clinically investigating optical imaging technology that could “light up” cancer cells and help surgeons remove more cancerous tissue than previously possible during surgical procedures.
The technology was developed by Philip Low, the Ralph C. Corley Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Purdue University, director of the Purdue University Center for Drug Discovery and co-founder of On Target Laboratories.
From Medical Express
