Application of infrared‐based molecular imaging to a mouse model with head and neck cancer

Background. This study investigated whether near infrared (NIR) or visible fluorescent molecular imaging produced a better representation of a mouse model with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Additionally, the study explored whether epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)- targeted probes could play an important role in the diagnosis of HNSCC. Methods. An orthotopic mouse model of HNSCC labeled with the NIR fluorophore, infrared fluorescent protein (iRFP), was developed and monitored noninvasively in real time. The tumors were further evaluated using tumor-specific EGFR-targeted probes conjugated with an NIR dye (IRDye800), or a visible fluorescent protein. Results. The iRFP cell line produced better results than cells emitting visible light when studying local, distant, and deep tumors in the mouse model. The EGFR-targeted probe conjugated with IRDye800 accurately detected tumor perimeters. Conclusion. This model has great potential as a unique tool in the study of HNSCC tumor development. (C) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.