Real-time Visualization of Breast Carcinoma in Pathology Specimens From Patients Receiving Fluorescent Tumor-Marking Agent Tozuleristide.

CONTEXT.—: Resection of breast carcinoma with adequate margins reduces the risk of local recurrence and reoperation. Tozuleristide (BLZ-100) is an investigational peptide-fluorophore agent that may aid in intraoperative tumor detection and margin assessment. In this study, fluorescence imaging was conducted ex vivo on gross breast pathology specimens.

OBJECTIVES.—: To determine the potential of tozuleristide to detect breast carcinoma in fresh pathology specimens and the feasibility of fluorescence-guided intraoperative pathology assessment of surgical margins.

DESIGN.—: Twenty-three patients received an intravenous bolus dose of 6 or 12 mg of tozuleristide at least 1 hour before surgery. Fifteen lumpectomy and 12 mastectomy specimens were evaluated for fluorescence by the site's clinical pathology staff using the SIRIS, an investigational near-infrared imaging device. The breast tissue was then processed per usual procedures. Fluorescent patterns were correlated with the corresponding hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections. Clinical pathology reports were used to correlate fluorescent signal to grade, histotype, prognostic marker status, and margin measurements.

RESULTS.—: Tozuleristide fluorescence was readily observed in invasive and in situ breast carcinoma specimens. Most invasive carcinomas were bright and focal, whereas in situ lesions demonstrated a less intense, more diffuse pattern. Tozuleristide was detected in ductal and lobular carcinomas with a similar fluorescent pattern. Fluorescence was detected in high- and low-grade lesions, and molecular marker/hormone receptor status did not affect signal. Fluorescence could be used to identify the relationship of carcinoma to margins intraoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS.—: Tumor targeting with tozuleristide allowed visual real-time distinction between pathologically confirmed breast carcinoma and normal tissue.