US20100234762A1 - Compositions and methods for detecting oral neoplasm - Google Patents

Compositions and methods for detecting oral neoplasm Download PDF

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US20100234762A1
US20100234762A1 US12/715,159 US71515910A US2010234762A1 US 20100234762 A1 US20100234762 A1 US 20100234762A1 US 71515910 A US71515910 A US 71515910A US 2010234762 A1 US2010234762 A1 US 2010234762A1
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lectins
fluorophore
tissue
lectin
kit
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Gary Pond
John Baeten
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Inter Med Inc
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Priority to US15/920,646 priority patent/US20180203011A1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
    • G01N33/50—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing
    • G01N33/53—Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor
    • G01N33/574—Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor for cancer
    • G01N33/57407—Specifically defined cancers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
    • A61B5/0071—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence by measuring fluorescence emission
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
    • A61B5/0082—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence adapted for particular medical purposes
    • A61B5/0088—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence adapted for particular medical purposes for oral or dental tissue
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B50/00—Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers
    • A61B50/30—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
    • A61B50/33—Trays
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K49/00—Preparations for testing in vivo
    • A61K49/001—Preparation for luminescence or biological staining
    • A61K49/0013—Luminescence
    • A61K49/0017—Fluorescence in vivo
    • A61K49/005—Fluorescence in vivo characterised by the carrier molecule carrying the fluorescent agent
    • A61K49/0056—Peptides, proteins, polyamino acids
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2562/00—Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
    • A61B2562/02—Details of sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements
    • A61B2562/0233—Special features of optical sensors or probes classified in A61B5/00
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2333/00—Assays involving biological materials from specific organisms or of a specific nature
    • G01N2333/415—Assays involving biological materials from specific organisms or of a specific nature from plants
    • G01N2333/42—Lectins, e.g. concanavalin, phytohaemagglutinin

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to methods, devices and kits for use in screening patients to detect cancers and precancers associated with mucosal tissues, particularly oral cancer, using optical molecular imaging.
  • Cancer is defined as the uncontrollable growth of cells that invade and cause damage to surrounding tissue. Many properties of mammalian cells are either expressed at or mediated through the cell surface, and cancer is associated with characteristic molecular changes on the cellular surface.
  • membrane proteins and lipids having attached carbohydrate side chains project from the external surface of a cell and form the cell glycocalyx.
  • the glycosyl structures of these carbohydrate side chains vary among different cell types, among the same cells in different stages of the maturation process, and during pathological changes such as cancer (see, e.g., Ramsey I S, Delling M and Clapham D E, Annu Rev Physiol 2006; 68: 619-47; Gunthorpe M J and Chizh B A, Drug Discov Today 2009; 14: 56-67; Pankratov Y V, Lalo U V and Krishtal O A, J Neurosci 2002; 22: 8363-9).
  • the side chains are heterogeneous in their oligosaccharide composition, length and branching status, conferring distinct biochemical and antigenic properties of the glycoconjugates, as, for example, with the idiotypic blood group antigens present on epithelial cells. These side chains also play an important role in regulating cell proliferation (see Feske S et al., Nature 2006; 441: 179-85; Cahalan Md., Nat Cell Biol 2009; 11: 669-77). Altered glycosylation of cell surface proteins, especially the terminal glycoprotein epitopes, may play a significant role in cell-cell interactions, development of cell adhesion, malignant transformation, and metastasis.
  • Altered glycosylation is a universal feature of cancer cells, and certain types of glycan structures are well-known markers for tumor progression (Varki A, Cummings, E. et al Editors, Essentials of Glycobiology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.).
  • Aberrant glycosylation occurs in essentially all types of experimental and human cancers, as has been observed for over 35 years, and many glycosyl epitopes constitute tumor-associated antigens.
  • a long-standing debate is whether aberrant glycosylation is a result or a cause of cancer. Many recent studies indicate that some, if not all, aberrant glycosylation is a result of initial oncogenic transformation, as well as a key event in induction of invasion and metastasis.
  • Glycosylation promoting or inhibiting tumor cell invasion and metastasis is of crucial importance in current cancer research. Nevertheless, this area of study has received little attention from most cell biologists involved in cancer research, mainly because structural and functional concepts of glycosylation in cancer are more difficult to understand than the functional role of certain proteins and their genes in defining cancer cell phenotypes. Glycosylation appears to be considered “in the shade” of more popular topics such as oncogenes and antioncogenes, apoptosis, angiogenesis, growth factor receptors, integrins and adherins function, etc., despite the fact that aberrant glycosylation profoundly affects all of these processes (Senitiroh Hakomori. Glycosylation defining cancer malignancy: New wine in an old bottle. PNAS, Aug. 6, 2002, vol. 99, no. 16 10231-10233).
  • lectins are non-enzymatic proteins or glycoproteins of non-immune origin that bind specifically and non-covalently to specific oligosaccharide chains (see Brandman O et al., Cell 2007; 131: 1327-39). Lectins can thus serve to identify cell types or cellular components and have become useful analytical tools for studying the altering of cell surface carbohydrates in disease stages (Roderick H L and Cook S J, Nat Rev Cancer 2008; 8: 361-75). During post-translational events and in the course of disease, including cancer, cellular proteins are modified, often by changing the glycosylation of the cellular proteins. Thus, lectins can be used as targets for identifying cell surface changes associated with cancers and other conditions.
  • Some lectins recognize oligosaccharides only, while others bind both oligosaccharides and monosaccharides (mannose, galactose/N-acetyl galactosamine, N-acetyl glucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid). Monosaccharide-specific lectins are usually classified according to one of five groups depending upon its highest-affinity monosaccharide.
  • lectins interact with more than one group, albeit at a lower association constant, such that it can be difficult to associate binding of a particular lectin with a specific disease.
  • Some lectins can interact with monosaccharides from different specificity groups through the same binding site. Other lectins can bind simultaneously with distinct sugars. Still others can combine with monosaccharides that appear structurally unrelated, but that present similar topographical features when appropriately viewed.
  • WGA binds N-acetyl glucosamine and, more weakly, N-acetyl galactosamine. WGA also binds N-acetyl neuraminic acid in free form because this monosaccharide is structural similar to N-acetyl glucosamine. Many monosaccharide-specific lectins can be classified according to the type of protein-linked carbohydrate unit they recognize. As such, some lectins react primarily with O-linked sugar units, whereas others bind N-linked units.
  • each unique lectin has a higher specificity for certain groups, very few lectins bind only a single sugar unit and each lectin provides distinctly different background binding properties and signal-to-noise ratios in tissue.
  • Lectins are found in plants, animals, and fungi, and a variety of lectins are known in the art.
  • the carbohydrate binding specificity of a number of commercially available lectins is well known in the art (see e.g. Lectin and Lectin Conjugates Catalog Addendum, EY Laboratories, Inc., San Mateo, Calif., 2010).
  • a non-limiting list of commercially available plant lectins is shown by organism of origin and standard abbreviation in Table 1 below. In addition, new lectins are discovered each year.
  • Lectin source (Latin name) Common name Abbreviation Abrus precatorius jequirity bean APA Aegopodium podagraria ground elder APP Agaricus bisporus mushroom ABA Allomyrina dichotoma Japanese beetle Allo A Anguilla Anguilla fresh water eel AAA Arachis hypogaea peanut PNA Artocarpus integrifolia jackfruit Jacalin AIA Bauhinia purpurea camel's foot tree BPA Bryonia dioica white bryony BDA Canavalia ensiformis jack bean Con A Cancer antennarius California crab CCA Caragana arborescens pea tree CAA Cicer arietinum chick pea, cesium CPA Colchicum autumnale meadow
  • a number of cell surface carbohydrate moieties are known to undergo both qualitative and quantitative change as cells are pathologically transformed, including in precancers or cancers. Such moieties are potential targets for lectin-based methods of detecting pathological transformation. The following is a non-limiting review of some of the carbohydrate moieties that are known to undergo such changes.
  • Cell Surface/Blood Group Antigens Malignant transformation that results in disordered cell surface carbohydrate expression is often associated with glycosylation changes in the carbohydrates that can include (1) synthesis of new carbohydrate structures and (2) deletion of more complex structures and accumulation of smaller precursor structures.
  • major erythrocyte antigens blood group antigens are found on epithelial cells of various tissues including oral mucosa.
  • A-, B-, and H blood group antigens carry their specific antigenic determinants at the ends of their carbohydrate chains.
  • the A or B-antigens and their immediate precursor, H-antigen are carried by branched or unbranched type 1 ([Gal ⁇ 1 ⁇ 3GlcNAc] n ⁇ 1 ⁇ 3Gal ⁇ R) or type 2 ([Gal ⁇ 1 ⁇ 4GlcNAc] n ⁇ 1 ⁇ 3Gal ⁇ R) chains, in which Gal is D-galactose and GlcNAc is N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, depending on the type of tissues (e.g.
  • antigens are carried predominantly by type 1 chains, while in erythrocytes they are carried by type 2 chains) (Feske S et al, Nature 2006; 441: 179-85; Endo Y et al, Int J Cancer 2004; 110: 225-31).
  • a and B antigens expressed in normal epithelial cells are lost or diminished, while the precursor H antigen is strongly expressed in the same malignant cells.
  • Lewis determinants displayed on the terminus of glycolipids are modified during carcinogenesis and metastasis.
  • the Lewis determinants are structurally related to determinants of the ABO and the H/h blood group systems. They are assembled by sequential addition of specific monosaccharides onto terminal saccharide precursor chains on glycolipids or glycoproteins.
  • the ABH and Lewis glycoproteins possess a common basic structure and their blood group specificity is determined by the sequence and linkage. There are two Lewis antigens, termed Le-a and Le-b.
  • the Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF) antigen a well-defined pan-carcinoma antigen associated with a variety of cancers in different tissues (Monteith G R and Roufogalis B D, Cell Calcium 1995; 18: 459-70), has been targeted recently for the development of tumor selective vaccines (Putney J W Jr, Nat Cell Biol 2009; 11: 381-382).
  • T, Tn and sialyl Tn antigens core O-linked glycoprotein structures, are formed when core carbohydrate structures are incompletely glycosylated (Saussez S et al., Cancer, 1998; 15:252-260).
  • the Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen is abundantly expressed in well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas, and therefore these glycol structures offer possible binding sites for lectins and anti-TF antigen antibodies.
  • Mucins and Mucin-Like proteins are large glycoproteins with a “rod-like” conformation caused by the presence of many clustered glycosylated serines and threonines in tandem repeat regions. Most epithelial mucin polypeptides belong to the MUC family. In the normal polarized epithelium, mucins are expressed exclusively on the apical domain, toward the lumen of the organ. Likewise, soluble mucins are secreted exclusively into the lumen. However, the loss of correct topology in malignant epithelial cells allows mucins to be expressed on all aspects of the cells, and soluble mucins can then enter the extracellular space and body fluids such as the blood plasma.
  • mucins appear to be the major carriers of altered glycosylation in carcinomas.
  • Another abnormal feature of carcinoma mucins is incomplete glycosylation.
  • Glandular epithelial tissues synthesize and secrete high molecular weight mucin and mucin-like glycoproteins containing O-linked oligosaccharide chains (chains which are branched off of serine or threonine).
  • O-linked oligosaccharide chains chains which are branched off of serine or threonine.
  • the rate of production and degree of glycosylation of these glycoproteins is altered, frequently as a result of incomplete assembly of the normal cell surface structures (Putney J W and Bird G S, J Physiol 2008; 586: 3055-9; Catterall W A et al. Pharmacol Rev 2005; 57: 411-25).
  • MUC1 polymorphic epithelial mucin, Episialin, MAM-6 antigen, epithelial membrane antigen
  • MUC1 polymorphic epithelial mucin, Episialin, MAM-6 antigen, epithelial membrane antigen
  • a membrane-associated mucin expressed in many secretory epithelia is expressed at a low level in normal oral mucosa (Gunthorpe M J and Chizh B A, Drug Discov Today 2009; 14: 56-67; Pankratov Y V, Lalo U V and Krishtal O A, J Neurosci 2002; 22: 8363-9).
  • the other MUC genes include MUC2 (prominent in the small and large intestine), MUC3 (predominant in the small intestine), MUC4 (universal for the epithelia), MUC5B (essentially in glandular acini in the submaxillary gland), MUC5C (present in respiratory and gastric tracts) (Putney J W Jr, Nat Cell Biol 2009; 11: 381-3825; Putney J W and Bird G S, J Physiol 2008; 586: 3055-9), MUC6 (prominent in the stomach and gall bladder) (Catterall W A et al, Pharmacol Rev 2005; 57: 411-257) and MUC7 (mainly in the submandibullary gland) (Saponara S, Sgaragli G and Fusi F, Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 598: 75-80). Overexpression of the mucin proteins, especially MUC 1, is associated with many types of cancer.
  • Fucosylation (the addition of L-fucose at an oligosaccharide chain terminus) mediates several specific biologic functions. Tumor cells escape recognition by increasing surface fucosylation levels, which leads to decreased adhesion and uncontrolled tumor growth. Monitoring serum/tissue fucose levels could be a promising approach for the early detection, diagnosis, and prognosis of various cancer types. As such, antibodies or lectins selective of L-fucose groups at the end of glycoconjugates could be used as a cancer detection scheme.
  • Sialylation or desialylation Sialic acid's position at or near non-reducing termini underlies its vital role in determining surface characteristics of cells and secreted glycoproteins.
  • Cell surface glycoconjugate oligosaccharides of cancer patients contain increased levels of the sialic acid, N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac or NANA), the predominant sialic acid found in mammalian cells. Accordingly, glycoprotein-bound and glycolipid-bound sialic acid are important cancer biomarkers (Ramsey I S, Delling M and Clapham D E, Annu Rev Physiol 2006; 68: 619-47; Catterall W A et al, Pharmacol Rev 2005; 57: 411-25).
  • Sialic acid content is typically measured either as total sialic acid (TSA; glycoprotein- and glycolipid-bound sialic acid) or as lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA; glycolipid-bound sialic acid) (Saponara S, Sgaragli G and Fusi F, Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 598: 75-80).
  • TSA total sialic acid
  • LSA lipid-bound sialic acid
  • Serum TSA and LSA levels are significantly elevated in sera of patients with oral and pharyngeal cancer compared with controls (Gunthorpe M J and Chizh B A, Drug Discov Today 2009; 14: 56-673).
  • glycoprotein and glycolipid-bound sialic acid content and its correlation to diagnosis and detection of cancer has not been fully studied, lectins selective of sialic acid groups at the end of glycoconjugates may be useful for cancer detection.
  • EGFR Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor
  • EGFR a 170 kDa transmembrane glycoprotein (member of the erbB family of cell surface receptors) that plays a role in several metabolic pathways, is composed of 3 major regions: an amino-terminal extracellular ligand-binding domain, a hydrophobic transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic domain.
  • the extracellular domain more precisely the ligand-binding domain, is characterized by a relatively high content of carbohydrates that can be glycosylated.
  • EGFR overexpression is a well-established biomarker in premalignant and invasive oral squamous epithelial lesions. EGFR expression is detected at all stages of carcinogenesis, from normal-early hyperplasia, dysplasia to invasive carcinoma (Monteith GR et al, Nat Rev Cancer 2007; 7: 519-30; Jackson TR et al, Biochem J 1988; 253: 81-618, 19). EGFR expression is elevated during the progression from hyperplasia to dysplasia and increases during progression from dysplasia to invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (Pacifico F et al. J Mol Endocrinol 2003; 30: 399-40920). Interestingly, Noun et al.
  • Fluorescent dyes conjugated to monoclonal antibodies have been used to label EGFR on the surface of SiHa cervical cancer cells and in ex vivo human oral cavity biopsies (Ramsey I S, Delling M and Clapham D E. Armu Rev Physiol 2006; 68: 619-47).
  • Gold nanoparticles and nanoshells spherical nanoparticles having a core made of a dielectric material such as zinc selenide, sapphire, or glass, covered by a thin metallic shell
  • nanoshells targeted with anti-Her2 have been used to label SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells in culture (Gunthorpe MJ and Chizh B A, Drug Discov Today 2009; 14: 56-67), and gold nanoparticles conjugated to EGFR antibodies have been used to target EGFR on the surface of SiHa cervical cancer cells and in human cervical cancer biopsies (Pankratov Y V, Lalo U V and Krishtal O A. J Neurosci 2002; 22: 8363-9).
  • EGFR expression in oral neoplasia was investigated by conjugating an EGF peptide to Alexa-647 (a NIR fluorescent dye) and observing its binding ability on extracted oral cancers (Nitin, et al, Neoplasia 2009; 11:542-551).
  • cancer In addition to changing EGFR expression, cancer also post-translationally modifies EGFR by phosphorylation, glycosylation, and by forming disulfide bridges. It is likely that all the carbohydrates on the EGFR (approximately 30 kDa) are present as N-linked oligosaccharide chains. Since EGFR is overexpressed in oral cancers, and the extracellular component of EGFR has a predictable post-glycosylation structure, lectins targeting this structure could effectively label EGFR to reveal oral cancer. Furthermore, VEGFR (vascular EGFR) is also overproduced in oral cancer, and could be a target of lectin-based detection. Nevertheless, to the best of our knowledge, EGFR labeling via lectins that specifically target EGFR or VEGFR has not been investigated as a means to detect cancerous tissue in-vitro, ex-vivo, or in-vivo.
  • oral cancer In oral cancer, lesions appear as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not go away. Oral cancer, which includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat), is life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.
  • the most common type of oral cancer is oral neoplasia or oral neoplasm, sometimes referred to as epithelial cancer, which is characterized as squamous cell carcinoma.
  • a patient's primary point of care for oral cancer detection is a general dental practitioner.
  • a dentist will conduct an oral cancer screening exam. More specifically, a dentist will feel for any lumps or irregular tissue changes in a patient's neck, head, face, and oral cavity.
  • several commercially available technologies have been developed (i.e. ViziLite®, VELscope®, Trimira®, etc.) to screen for oral cancer.
  • ViziLite®, VELscope®, Trimira®, etc. to screen for oral cancer.
  • the effectiveness of these technologies to aid in the detection of oral cancers is inconsistent, and it appears these modalities fail to noticeably improve the detection of oral lesions from routinely preformed standard head and neck exams (Putney JW Jr., Nat Cell Biol 2009; 11: 381-382).
  • the physician generally determines if the cancer can be removed or resected by surgery. Patients who have cancer that has not spread beyond a local area frequently may be treated by completely resecting the tumor. Prior to surgery, various images of the tumor are obtained such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans or PET images. Although such images provide guidance for surgery, these images cannot be generated in real time during surgery to guide the surgeon to the tumor.
  • the invention provides methods, devices, and kits for detecting cancers and precancers associated with mucosal tissue, particularly cancer in the oral mucosa of a subject, using lectin-based probes targeting the molecular level cell surface changes associated with oral cancer.
  • the invention encompasses a method for assessing the presence of possible oral cancer in a subject.
  • the method includes the steps of (1) applying a composition comprising one or more lectins operably linked to a detection moiety to the oral mucosa of a subject, wherein said lectins specifically bind to one or more mono and/or oligosaccharides; (2) exposing the oral mucosa of the subject to near infrared light, visible light, or ultraviolet light; and (3) visualizing the oral mucosa to detect possible oral cancer.
  • the invention encompasses a method for assessing the presence of possible oral cancer in a subject, including the steps of (1) applying one or more lectins to the oral mucosa of a subject, wherein said lectins specifically bind to one or more mono and/or oligosaccharides; (2) applying an antibody or an avidin protein to the oral mucosa of the subject, wherein the antibody or avidin protein is linked to a fluorophore; (3) exposing the oral mucosa of the subject to near infrared light, visible light, or ultraviolet light; and (4) visualizing the oral mucosa to detect possible oral cancer.
  • the invention encompasses a kit for assessing the presence of oral cancer.
  • a kit for assessing the presence of oral cancer.
  • Such a kit includes (1) one or more lectins operably linked to a fluorophore, wherein said lectins specifically bind to one or more mono and/or oligosaccharides; and (2) a light source emitting light in the ultraviolet, visible, or near infrared spectrum.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a carbohydrate moiety on the surface of potentially cancerous oral mucosa tissue bound to a lectin linked to a “Label” to facilitate visualizing the location of the lectin.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing showing a carbohydrate moiety on the surface of potentially cancerous oral mucosa tissue bound to a lectin.
  • the Figure further shows an attractive interaction between the lectin and an anti-lectin antibody covalently linked to a “Label” to facilitate visualizing the location of the lectin.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing showing a carbohydrate moiety on the surface of potentially cancerous oral mucosa tissue bound to a lectin.
  • the Figure further shows an attractive interaction between the lectin and an anti-lectin antibody, and an attractive interaction between the anti-lectin antibody and a second antibody covalently linked to a “Label” to facilitate visualizing the location of the lectin.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing showing a carbohydrate moiety on the surface of potentially cancerous oral mucosa tissue bound to a lectin linked to a biotin molecule.
  • the Figure further shows an attractive interaction between the biotin and an avidin protein covalently linked to a “Label” to facilitate visualizing the location of the lectin.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing showing a carbohydrate moiety on the surface of potentially cancerous oral mucosa tissue bound to a lectin.
  • the Figure further shows an attractive interaction between the lectin and an anti-lectin antibody linked to a biotin molecule, and an attractive interaction between the biotin molecule and an avidin protein covalently linked to a “Label” to facilitate visualizing the location of the lectin.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing showing a carbohydrate moiety on the surface of potentially cancerous oral mucosa tissue bound to a lectin.
  • the Figure further shows an attractive interaction between the lectin and an anti-lectin antibody, an attractive interaction between the anti-lectin antibody and a second antibody linked to a biotin molecule, and an attractive interaction between the biotin molecule and an avidin protein covalently linked to a “Label” to facilitate visualizing the location of the lectin.
  • FIG. 7 shows excitation spectra and emission spectra for three exemplary fluorophores responsive in the ultraviolet (UV), visible light (VIS), and near infrared (NIR) wavelength regions.
  • UV ultraviolet
  • VIS visible light
  • NIR near infrared
  • FIG. 8 depicts a kit for detecting oral cancer, including various dyeing agents, biopsy tools, an instruction manual, applicators, and glasses for viewing a band of wavelengths (i.e. optical filter).
  • FIG. 9 depicts the application of a pre-screening fluid to a person's gums.
  • FIG. 10 shows a person using filtered viewing glasses to determine possible areas of oral cancer.
  • FIG. 11 shows a syringe containing a dye used to enhance the visualization of cancerous tissue.
  • FIG. 12 shows the dye within the syringe of FIG. 11 being applied to a person's gums.
  • FIG. 13 shows an excitation light source, which could be a UV (Ultra Violet) light source, being used to further enhance the visualization of cancerous tissue.
  • excitation light source which could be a UV (Ultra Violet) light source
  • FIG. 14 is yet another step in using the oral cancer detection kit of the present invention, wherein a biopsy device is used to remove a sample of cancerous tissue.
  • FIG. 15 shows the person's gums after the tissue from FIG. 14 being removed, with the gums being prepared to receive bandages, gauze, or the like.
  • FIG. 16 shows the person's gums of FIG. 15 being treated with bandages and gauze material.
  • FIG. 17 is a schematic drawing of a custom designed optical imaging system capable of multi-spectral epi-illumination (reflectance) imaging, which can be used in the present invention.
  • FIG. 18 is a UV autofluorescent image superimposed on the white light image of a normal and abnormal tissue biopsy set obtained from patient number 3. Image was obtained using a CCD camera with a 450 nm ⁇ 20 nm bandpass filter and a 400 nm longpass filter.
  • FIG. 19 is a fluorescence image of tissue obtained from patient number 2 and stained with a WGA-fluorophore probe.
  • FIG. 20 is a fluorescence image of two tissue samples obtained from patient number 3 and stained with a WGA-fluorophore probe.
  • FIG. 21 is a fluorescence image of tissue obtained from patient number 4 and stained with a WGA-fluorophore probe.
  • FIG. 22 is a fluorescence image of two tissue samples obtained from patient number 4 and stained with a WGA-fluorophore probe.
  • FIG. 23 is a fluorescence image of tissue obtained from patient number 5 and stained with a WGA-fluorophore probe.
  • FIG. 24 is a fluorescence image of two tissue samples obtained from patient number 6 and stained with a WGA-fluorophore probe.
  • FIG. 25 is a fluorescence image of two tissue samples obtained from patient number 7 and stained with a WGA-fluorophore probe.
  • FIG. 26 is a fluorescence image of two tissue samples obtained from patient number 8 and stained with a WGA-fluorophore probe.
  • FIG. 27 is a fluorescence image of two tissue samples obtained from patient number 10 and stained with a WGA-fluorophore probe.
  • FIG. 28 is a fluorescence image of tissue obtained from patient number 11 and stained with a WGA-fluorophore probe.
  • FIG. 29 is a fluorescence image of two tissue samples obtained from patient number 4 and stained with a GS-I-fluorophore probe.
  • FIG. 30 is a fluorescence image of two tissue samples obtained from patient number 1 and stained with a PNA-fluorophore probe.
  • FIG. 31 is a fluorescence image of two tissue samples obtained from patient number 3 and stained with a PNA-fluorophore probe.
  • FIG. 32A is a bar graph comparing the differential signal ratio of autofluorescence and WGA fluorescence for tissues from seven different patients.
  • FIG. 32B is a bar graph showing average differential signal ratio using WGA fluorescence as a function of tissue types being compared.
  • the inventors report herein that certain specific classes of lectins differentially bind to cancerous mucosal tissue, notably oral mucosa. Such lectins can be operably linked to a detection moiety to obtain molecules or complexes that facilitate visualizing such differential binding. Accordingly, the invention includes lectin-based methods, devices and kits for detecting oral cancer in a subject.
  • the invention encompasses a method for assessing the presence of oral cancer or precancer in a subject.
  • the method includes the step of applying to the oral mucosa of a subject a composition comprising at least one lectin operably linked to a detection moiety.
  • the oral mucosa is the mucous membrane epithelium of the mouth.
  • the method is a method for detecting oral cancer. Since the method permits oral cancer to be visualized, the method steps can also be used in conjunction with a method for removing oral cancer.
  • the lectin(s) When applied to the oral mucosa of the subject, the lectin(s) specifically bind to one or more targets associated with altered cell surface glycosylation in mucosal pre-cancers and cancers, including oral cavity cancers, thus targeting and pinpointing the location of oral cancer by molecular targeting.
  • the targeting lectins are operably linked to one or more detection moieties, facilitating detection of the binding location of the targeting lectins.
  • the inventors demonstrate herein that lectin-based molecular imaging can be used to detect oral cancers and precancers on human tissues from patients histologically confirmed to have oral cavity cancers or precancers, where the tissue samples had not been manipulated in any fashion (such as by using formaldehyde fixation or paraffin embedding).
  • the lectin probes differentially bound to epithelial tissues sufficiently so that molecular imaging methods spatially resolved cancerous, precancerous, and normal tissue with a sufficiently high signal-to noise ratio to show that the method would be clinically useful.
  • the inventors have demonstrated in the working examples below the successful use in the method of three different lectins, WGA, PNA, and GS-II, to detect oral cancer and precancer. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of lectin-based differential staining showing sufficient spatial contrast to detect oral cancers and precancers in a human patient.
  • Lectins bind generally to cell surface monosaccharide and oligosaccharide targets discussed previously. Thus, the method could be used with any known lectins that target such moieties.
  • Table 2 below shows the specific carbohydrate moieties targeted by WGA, PNA, GS-II, and selected additional plant lectins.
  • WGA is known to target both ⁇ -N-acetylglucosamine and sialic acid.
  • PNA is known to target ⁇ -galactoside.
  • GS-II is known to target both ⁇ -N-acetylglucosamine and ⁇ -N-acetylglucosamine.
  • preferred lectin targets of the method include one or more of a ⁇ -galactoside, an ⁇ - or ⁇ -N-acetylglucosamine, or a sialic acid moiety.
  • the lectins used in the method would target one or more of these moieties, and such preferred lectins include Con A, LcH, VFA, PSA, GS-II, WGA, DSA, LEA, STA, LAA, OSA, PWM, PWA, UEA-II, UDA, PTA, HAA, VAA, Allo A, ABA, APA, PNA, CSA, TKA, RCA-I, RCA-II, ECA, CAA, SNA, MAA, LFA, LPA, HMA, and CCA.
  • the lectins used in the method would have the same target profile as WGA, PNA, or GS-II, and such more preferred lectins include GS-II, WGA, PNA, VAA, Allo A, ABA, APA, CSA, TKA, and RCA-I. Most preferably, the lectins used are one or more of GS-II, WGA, and PNA.
  • the lectins used in the invention are operably linked to a detection moiety.
  • detection moiety refers to a moiety that provides the ability to detect the location of the lectin.
  • the detection moiety may be detected by such characteristics as color change, luminescence, fluorescence, reflectivity, or radioactivity.
  • detection moieties known in the art include, but are not limited to, dyes, chemiluminescent compounds, enzymes, fluorescent compounds, metal complexes, biotin, haptens, radioluminescent compounds, radioactive-labeled biomolecules, colored microparticles, metallic nanoparticles, and quantum dots.
  • a preferred detection moiety used in the invention is a fluorophore.
  • a fluorophore is a chemical species or moiety which causes a molecule to be fluorescent by absorbing energy of a specific wavelength and re-emitting energy at a different (but equally specific) wavelength. The difference between the absorption and emission wavelengths is known as a “Stokes shift.” The intensity and wavelength of the emitted energy depend on both the fluorophore and the chemical environment within which the fluorophore exists.
  • fluorophores are known in the art, including fluorescent dyes, fluorescent nanoparticles, and proteins genetically engineered to fluoresce. Any known fluorophore could be used in the present invention.
  • fluorophores that could be used in the invention include fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), derivatives of rhodamine (such as TRITC), coumarin, cyanine, CFTM Dyes, any FluoTM Probe, any DyLight® Fluor, any OysterTM dyes, any AttoTM dye, any HiLyte FluorTM, and any Alexa® Fluor.
  • operably linked as used herein broadly means that a direct or indirect attractive force exists between the lectin and the detection moiety of sufficient strength so that the lectin and the detection moiety are spatially associated.
  • operably linked species may be covalently bonded or may be connected by the covalent bonding of both species to a common linker group, covalent bonding is not necessary for two species to be operably linked.
  • operably linked species may be linked by intermolecular forces sufficient for the two species to remain spatially associated, such as hydrogen bonds and dipole-dipole interactions.
  • any binding between chemical species that is recognized in the art, such as antibody-antigen binding, target-receptor binding, enzyme-substrate binding, or biotin-avidin protein binding is sufficient for two species to be operably linked.
  • Binding or “bound” as used herein broadly refer to any attractive interactions between two chemical species or moieties or the ongoing spatial association between chemical species or moieties caused by such attractive interactions.
  • binding can refer to ionic or covalent bonds between two species, it also refers to attractive interactions facilitated by intermolecular forces such as hydrogen bonds, dipole-dipole interactions, or any other Van der Waals interaction between two species or moieties.
  • operably linked species it is not necessary for operably linked species to be directly bound to each other or linked directly to each other.
  • one or more chemical species may be interposed between the operably linked lectin and the detection moiety. If the interposed chemical species bind to each other, the lectin, and/or the detection moiety in such a way that the lectin and detection moiety are associated with the same complex of linked species, then the lectin and are operably linked.
  • the lectin is directly bonded or linked to the detection moiety.
  • FIG. 1 shows such an embodiment, where the lectin is bound to a cell surface carbohydrate.
  • the lectin is shown linked to a fluorophore (designated the label, e.g. Alexa Fluor).
  • the lectin and the fluorophore may be linked by a covalent bond.
  • the lectin and fluorophore may be both covalently bonded to a common linking group.
  • a “linking group” is a group of covalently bonded atoms that is itself covalently bonded to different two chemical species. The two chemical species are linked together through the covalent bonds to the common linking group.
  • the lectin is linked indirectly to the detection moiety through one or more antibodies, one of which is covalently bonded to a detection moiety or linked to a detection moiety through a linking group covalently bonded to both the detection moiety and the antibody.
  • FIG. 2 shows one such embodiment.
  • the lectin is bound to a cell surface carbohydrate.
  • a rabbit anti-lectin antibody linked to a fluorophore (designated the label, e.g. Alexa Fluor) is bound to the lectin.
  • the lectin is operably linked to the fluorophore.
  • FIG. 3 shows yet another such embodiment.
  • the lectin is again shown bound to a cell surface carbohydrate.
  • a rabbit anti-lectin antibody is bound to the lectin, and a second antibody (swine anti-rabbit IgG) linked to a fluorophore (designated the label, e.g. Alexa Fluor) is bound to the rabbit anti-lectin antibody.
  • a second antibody wine anti-rabbit IgG linked to a fluorophore (designated the label, e.g. Alexa Fluor) is bound to the rabbit anti-lectin antibody.
  • the lectin is operably linked to the fluorophore.
  • the lectin is linked indirectly to the detection moiety through a biotin molecule that is further bound to an avidin protein which is covalently bonded to a detection moiety or linked to a detection moiety through a linking group.
  • FIG. 4 shows one such embodiment. The lectin is once again shown bound to a cell surface carbohydrate. A biotin molecule is bound to the lectin, and the biotin molecule binds to an avidin protein linked to a fluorophore (designated the label, e.g. Alexa Fluor). Thus, the lectin is operably linked to the fluorophore.
  • the lectin is linked indirectly to the detection moiety through a complex that may include one or more antibodies, biotin, and an avidin protein avidin protein which is covalently bonded to a detection moiety or linked to a detection moiety through a linking group.
  • FIG. 5 shows one such embodiment. The lectin is once again shown bound to a cell surface carbohydrate. A rabbit anti-lectin antibody is bound to the lectin, and the antibody is also bound to a biotin molecule. The biotin molecule further binds to an avidin protein linked to a fluorophore (designated the label, e.g. Alexa Fluor). Thus, the lectin is operably linked to the fluorophore.
  • a fluorophore designated the label, e.g. Alexa Fluor
  • FIG. 6 shows yet another such embodiment.
  • the lectin is once again shown bound to a cell surface carbohydrate.
  • a rabbit anti-lectin antibody is bound to the lectin, and the antibody is also bound to a second antibody, a swine anti-rabbit IgG.
  • This second antibody is also bound to a biotin molecule.
  • the biotin molecule further binds to an avidin protein linked to a fluorophore (designated the label, e.g. Alexa Fluor).
  • the lectin is operably linked to the fluorophore.
  • the composition containing the one or more lectins may be applied to the oral mucosa of the subject by any means commonly used in the art that enables delivery of the lectins to the potentially cancerous cells of the oral mucosa.
  • an applicator or syringe may be used to topically apply the composition directly to the oral mucosa.
  • An applicator used in the present method could be of any type, preferably using a cotton swab or similar feature to ensure efficient complete application of the composition to the surface of the oral mucosa.
  • Other possible methods of application include without limitation in a DMSO oral rinse, alcohol oral rinse, lotion application, in a surfactant solution, injection, and mechanical or ultrasonic agitation.
  • the amount of lectin to be applied to the oral mucosa is an amount wherein the differential binding of the lectin to potentially cancerous tissue can be readily visualized by conventional fluorescence imaging methods.
  • Targeting agent concentrations may depend upon the specific type of fluorophore used, the intensity of the excitation light source, the type of lectin used, the sensitivity of the detection equipment, and other factors which may affect dosage requirements as those skilled in the art will appreciate.
  • the quantity of lectin applied should be sufficient to overcome any background noise/binding.
  • the concentration of lectins in the composition could range from about one nanomolar to one molar. A preferred concentration would be from about 1 to 10 micromolar, with a more preferred concentration of about 5 micromolar.
  • a clinician may wish to perform various pretreatments and inspections prior to applying the composition of the present invention.
  • a pretreatment solution may be applied to the oral mucosa to accentuate the presence of the cancerous tissue.
  • a typical solution that can be used to desiccate tissue and aid oral cancer detection is acetic acid, which has been used previously for detecting cancerous material.
  • the clinician may visually inspect the gums with white light.
  • Pretreatment solutions may also be used to facilitate probe binding or removal of excess glycoconjugate.
  • the clinician may also wish to inspect the oral mucosa upon exposure with a UV light source, optionally with the aid of an optical device, to observe any autofluorescence that may be exhibited by the tissues.
  • This autofluorescence, or lack thereof, can help aid the clinician in the clinician's prescreening diagnosis.
  • the optical device optionally used in such prescreening generally comprise a pair of glasses, wherein each of the lenses are designed as filters so that they will be able to pass a particular region of the visible light spectrum.
  • the excited form of cellular NAD(P)H will be observable through the optical device at the lesion site, if there are in fact cancerous tissues present on the oral mucosa.
  • NAD(P)H is a naturally occurring molecule found within cells that is used throughout glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. This agent-reagent molecule is indicative of cellular metabolism; with accelerated cellular metabolism being one of the biochemical characteristics of cancer cells.
  • the composition of the present invention is applied to the oral mucosa, the composition is allowed to penetrate the area.
  • the area may be gently rinsed with a solution to clear any unbound lectin present.
  • the area may be subject to serial rinses, mechanical agitation, ultrasonic agitation, swabbing or rubbing. Additionally, one or more solutions containing a substance that competitively binds to the lectin may be applied and rinsed away from the area.
  • the method of the invention further includes the steps of illuminating the oral mucosa with an excitation light source, and subsequently visualizing the oral mucosa to detect possible oral cancer.
  • Light in the visual or ultraviolet range can be used as an excitation light source, however imaging of deeper tissues requires the use of near infrared (NIR) light.
  • NIR near infrared
  • Hemoglobin and water, the major tissue absorbers of visible and infrared light have their lowest absorption coefficient in the NIR region around 650-900 nm.
  • light scattering by dense media is reduced, resulting in deeper penetration of excitation light into thick tissue samples.
  • excitation at longer wavelengths typically results in lower levels of tissue autofluorescence, which can drown out signals with high background noise, and decreased photochemically induced damage to the cell.
  • the method generally encompasses the use of UV, Visible light, or NIR to facilitate visualization
  • a single excitation source in the UV is used to visualize both endogenous (NAD(P)H) and exogenous fluorophores by carefully selecting a narrow bandpass of excitation light and Stokes shifts to be able resolve signals separately via optical filtering.
  • NAD(P)H endogenous
  • exogenous fluorophores by carefully selecting a narrow bandpass of excitation light and Stokes shifts to be able resolve signals separately via optical filtering.
  • This method would provide a significant improvement over current methods in that multiple physiologically parameters could be visualized via the human eye, with or without appropriate filters, with a single light source, or multispectrally, without the need for additional processing equipment, which greatly reduces imaging complexity/cost and increases user compliance.
  • the absorption maximum of the fluorophore should be matched closely to the output wavelength of the excitation source.
  • the excitation source would produce a narrow band of wavelengths within the absorption maximum of the fluorophore or fluorophores used.
  • the oral mucosa can be visualized using the naked eye.
  • the clinician could visually detect the contrasting intensities between the excitation and emission wavelength light produced by the fluorophores that are operably linked to the lectins. Accordingly, the visually detected contrasting emission intensities would correlate to the differential lectin binding that is characteristic of cancerous tissue as compared to normal tissue, and the clinician could visually identify potentially cancerous tissue.
  • the method employs one or more devices to enhance visualizing the oral mucosa.
  • devices include without limitation handheld filters and filter glasses, CCD cameras, computers, image processing devices and software (i.e. normalization, background subtraction, contrast enhancements, filtration, etc.), dichroic mirrors, neutral density filters, polarizers, and microscopes.
  • image processing devices and software i.e. normalization, background subtraction, contrast enhancements, filtration, etc.
  • dichroic mirrors neutral density filters
  • polarizers polarizers
  • microscopes i.e. normalization, background subtraction, contrast enhancements, filtration, etc.
  • narrow band filters are used in the method, any combination of shortpass, longpass, notch, or bandpass filters, dichroic mirrors, neutral density filters, and polarizers could also be used to enhance visualizing the oral mucosa.
  • optical devices could be incorporated as flip down filters on glasses for viewing multiple wavelengths.
  • the excitation light source and a means for collecting the emission light for visualization are incorporated into a single handheld device, preferably containing a dichroic mirror for blocking the return of the reflected excitation light.
  • a single handheld device preferably containing a dichroic mirror for blocking the return of the reflected excitation light.
  • Such a device could optionally include a dental curing light or other dental devices primarily using light for procedures.
  • the method encompasses additional steps for further processing the optical signals from the oral mucosa to facilitate more precise and accurate detection of oral cancer and the outer margins of the oral cancer.
  • additional steps may, for example, provide more accurate guidance for surgical excision of the cancerous tissue.
  • additional steps may include, without limitation, taking additional pre and post contrast optical measurements, normalizing the optical measurements, comparing the results to a patient bank of normal values, and determining a patient's normal fluorescence in a region of interest.
  • the method includes the additional step of using mathematical processing software to further analyze the optical data obtained in the method.
  • image processing may not be needed to detect surgical margins. For example, all images acquired in the Example study discussed below are displayed without any processing, and surgical margins are readily apparent.
  • the present method has been discussed as it relates to the detection of cancers of the oral mucosa (oral cancers), it is recognized that cancers of epithelial mucosal tissues in general share common attributes with cancers of the oral mucosa. Accordingly, the invention further encompasses methods of detecting other cancers and precancers of the mucosa, including without limitation cervical and esophageal cancers.
  • the invention encompasses a method for assessing the presence of oral cancer in a subject wherein the detection moiety and/or other parts of the lectin complex are applied to the oral mucosa in a separate step from applying the lectins to the oral mucosa.
  • one step of the method involves applying a lectin to the oral mucosa of a subject.
  • the lectin used in the method is one that specifically binds to one or more cell surface monosaccharide and/or oligosaccharide moiety.
  • Preferred targets include one or more of a ⁇ -galactoside, an ⁇ - or ⁇ -N-acetylglucosamine, or a sialic acid moiety.
  • the invention employs one or more lectins selected from the group consisting of Con A, LcH, VFA, PSA, GS-II, WGA, DSA, LEA, STA, LAA, OSA, PWM, PWA, UEA-II, UDA, PTA, HAA, VAA, Allo A, ABA, APA, PNA, CSA, TKA, RCA-I, RCA-II, ECA, CAA, SNA, MAA, LFA, LPA, HMA, and CCA.
  • lectins selected from the group consisting of Con A, LcH, VFA, PSA, GS-II, WGA, DSA, LEA, STA, LAA, OSA, PWM, PWA, UEA-II, UDA, PTA, HAA, VAA, Allo A, ABA, APA, PNA, CSA, TKA, RCA-I, RCA-II, ECA, CAA, SNA, MAA, LFA
  • the one or more lectins are selected from the group consisting of GS-II, WGA, PNA, VAA, Allo A, ABA, APA, CSA, TKA, and RCA-I. Most preferably, the lectins used are one or more of GS-II, WGA, and PNA.
  • This aspect additionally includes the step of applying either an antibody or an avidin molecule to the oral mucosa of the subject.
  • the antibody or avidin applied in this step is linked to a fluorophore, either by covalent bonding or by the covalent bonding of the fluorophore and the antibody or avidin molecule to a common linking group (see upper part of the complexes shown in FIGS. 2-6 ).
  • an antibody linked to a fluorophore is applied to the oral mucosa of the subject
  • the antibody is preferably an anti-lectin antibody.
  • An exemplary lectin complex formed by such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 2 .
  • such embodiments may include the additional step of applying a second antibody or other targeting/complex molecule to the oral mucosa of the subject, wherein the second antibody or other targeting/complex molecule is linked to a fluorophore.
  • the second antibody may form part of an indirect link between the lectin and the fluorophore, as shown in FIG. 3 .
  • the avidin must be operatively linked to the lectin to effectively visualize the lectin bound to the oral mucosa of the subject.
  • Avidin strongly binds to biotin, a water-soluble B-complex vitamin. The biotin in turn may bind directly to the lectin to operably link the lectin and fluorophore. The resulting lectin complex is shown in FIG. 4 .
  • such embodiments may further include the step of applying one or more antibodies that are not linked to a fluorophore to the oral mucosa of the subject.
  • at least one of the antibodies that are not linked to a fluorophore is an anti-lectin antibody.
  • the antibody or antibodies may indirectly link the lectin and the biotin-bound avidin protein, thus operably linking the lectin to the fluorophore.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 Two exemplary lectin complexes formed by practicing the steps of this embodiment are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 .
  • This aspect of the invention further includes the steps of exposing the oral mucosa of the subject to excitatory light in the near infrared, visible light, or ultraviolet spectrum, and visualizing the oral mucosa to detect possible oral cancer. These steps are explained in further detail above.
  • the invention encompasses compositions and devices assembled into a kit for detecting oral cancer.
  • the kit provides the clinician with the needed materials to practice the methods outlined above.
  • the kit includes one or more lectins operably linked to a detection moiety, wherein the lectins specifically bind to one or more cell surface monosaccharide and/or oligosaccharide moiety.
  • Preferred targets include one or more of a ⁇ -galactoside, an ⁇ - or ⁇ -N-acetylglucosamine, or a sialic acid moiety.
  • the one or more lectins are selected from the group consisting of Con A, LcH, VFA, PSA, GS-II, WGA, DSA, LEA, STA, LAA, OSA, PWM, PWA, UEA-II, UDA, PTA, HAA, VAA, Allo A, ABA, APA, PNA, CSA, TKA, RCA-I, RCA-II, ECA, CAA, SNA, MAA, LFA, LPA, HMA, and CCA.
  • the one or more lectins are selected from the group consisting of GS-II, WGA, PNA, VAA, Allo A, ABA, APA, CSA, TKA, and RCA-I. Most preferably, the lectins are one or more of GS-II, WGA, and PNA.
  • the detection moiety is a fluorophore.
  • the lectin probes may be provided either in solution or in lyophilized form. If the probes are provided in the form of a lyophilized powder, the kit may additionally include a buffered solution for reconstituting the lectin. If the probes are provided in solution, the solution is preferably a buffered solution such as phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The solution may further contain a preservative such as sodium azide to facilitate long term bacteriostatic and fungistatic storage.
  • PBS phosphate buffered saline
  • the kit further includes one or more light sources emitting light in the ultraviolet, visible, or near infrared spectrum.
  • the light source(s) may be handheld light source(s). Each light source may emit a single excitation wavelength, or may emit multiple wavelengths.
  • the light source(s) may emit wavelengths that excite endogenous emission from NAD(P)H, preferably between 330 nm and 380 nm, more preferably, 365 nm ⁇ 5 nm.
  • the light source(s) may also provide light having the excitatory wavelength of the fluorophore, which causes the fluorophore to emit light of a characteristic emission wavelength for easily visualizing the location of the lectin.
  • the light provided by the light source capable of exciting the emission of an exogenous UV probe would be between 330 nm and 380 nm, preferably 365 nm ⁇ 5 nm.
  • the light provided by the light source capable of exciting the emission of an exogenous NIR probe would be between 600 nm and 900 nm, preferably 630 nm ⁇ 5 nm.
  • the kit optionally includes one or more narrow bandpass or longpass filters for visualizing the light emitted by the fluorophores and/or the endogenous fluorescence sources.
  • the filters may be incorporated into an optical device adapted for a viewer's use, as lenses are incorporated into a pair of glasses.
  • NAD(P)H fluorescence an exemplary bandpass filter would be centered at 450 nm ⁇ 20 nm.
  • UV probe fluorescence an exemplary bandpass filter would be centered at 450 nm ⁇ 5 nm.
  • an exemplary bandpass filter would be centered at 670 nm ⁇ 5 nm or 680 nm ⁇ 5 nm.
  • a longpass filter could also be included for these applications.
  • the kit may include the excitation light source and a means for collecting the emission light for visualization in a single handheld device, preferably containing a dichroic mirror for blocking the return of the reflected excitation light.
  • a single handheld device preferably containing a dichroic mirror for blocking the return of the reflected excitation light.
  • a device could optionally include a dental curing light.
  • the kit may optionally include other devices and compositions.
  • additional devices and compositions that may be included are one or more visual enhancer solutions, such as acetic acid solution, calcium ion detection solutions, and solutions containing DNA or other nucleic acid probes; one or more solution applicators, such as a syringe or cotton swab-based device; one or more tissue penetrating agents, such as DMSO; a sterile scissors; a biopsy device, such as a punch biopsy device; a forceps; preparation pads; and bandages.
  • visual enhancer solutions such as acetic acid solution, calcium ion detection solutions, and solutions containing DNA or other nucleic acid probes
  • solution applicators such as a syringe or cotton swab-based device
  • tissue penetrating agents such as DMSO
  • a sterile scissors a biopsy device, such as a punch biopsy device
  • a forceps preparation pads
  • bandages such as a punch biopsy device, a force
  • FIG. 8 depicts a kit 10 for use in ascertaining whether a person may or may not have oral cancer.
  • the kit 10 comprises some or all of a manual 11 , applicators 12 for applying a visual enhancer solution 14 , and an optical device 16 to assist the user in visually assessing whether or not a person may have cancer.
  • the kit 10 can also comprise another enhancement solution 18 within a syringe 24 and a device for acquiring a sample from the patient.
  • a sample-acquiring device may include without limitation a device for collecting saliva or serum or for obtaining tissue by biopsy.
  • the kit of the present example comprises a biopsy kit 20 for further carrying out testing.
  • the manual 11 is a helpful tool for the diagnostic process.
  • a common problem associated with cancer screening, particularly oral cancer screening, is overdiagnosis and unnecessary biopsy. That is, when prescreening or screening (referred to collectively as screening) is performed, many times the clinician may not properly assess whether or not the screening determines that there is the presence of cancerous tissue, often leading to false positives. Many factors can contribute to these false positives, from not being familiar with the solutions being used to enhance the cancerous tissue, to diagnosing natural permutations (i.e. aphthous ulcers, herpes simplex, etc.) as threatening, cancerous tissue.
  • the manual 11 is a thorough manual, that contains both written and visual aids to assist the user in properly assessing cancer problems during the screening stage.
  • FIG. 9 shows the applicator 12 applying the solution 14 to a patient's gums 100 to initially detect whether or not a cancerous tissue 102 is present on the gums 100 .
  • the applicator 12 can be of any type of device, preferably using a cotton swab or similar device.
  • the solution 14 is used to accentuate the presence of the cancerous tissue.
  • a typical solution 14 that can be used to desiccate tissue and aid oral cancer detection is acetic acid, which has been used previously for detecting cancerous material. After application of the solution 14 to the gums, the user will visually inspect the gums 100 with white light.
  • the user may also wish to inspect the gums 100 with the aid of the optical device 16 and a UV light source 28 to observe autofluorescence, as shown in FIG. 10 .
  • This autofluorescence, or lack thereof, can help aid the clinician in their prescreening diagnosis.
  • the optical device 16 generally comprises a pair of glasses, wherein each of the lens 22 , 23 are designed as filters so that they will be able to pass a particular region of the visible light spectrum.
  • the excited form of cellular NAD(P)H will be observable through the optical device 16 at the lesion site, if cancerous tissues are present on the gums.
  • the optical device 16 is arranged so that the lenses 22 and 23 optimize the visual fluorescence of NAD(P)H and other naturally occurring tissue fluorophores, which has a strong absorption peak at 350 nm (UV) and emission peak at 450 nm (blue). As such the emission would be observable through blue longpass and/or band pass filters transmitting light above 430 nm.
  • the handheld illumination device 28 would produce wavelengths tuned to the excitation maxima of NAD(P)H (i.e. 300-410 nm) and other natural tissue fluorophores.
  • the shown optical device 16 is merely exemplary of possible devices used for visually enhancing potentially cancerous material. It should be understood that proper protection of both patient and clinician is advisable to avoid subjecting either to tissue-damaging UV radiation for extended periods of time.
  • FIG. 11 shows a syringe 24 that contains the second enhancement solution 18 , which will be delivered to an oral cavity.
  • the syringe 10 is demonstrative of various devices that can be used to deliver the solution 18 .
  • the solution 18 could consist of lectins conjugated with a detection moiety such as a fluorophore, but could additionally include Hoechst 33342, Hoechst 33258, DAPI, Fluoro-Gold, FURA 2-AM, Calcein Blue-AM, Indo-1-AM, antibodies, specific binding proteins, or enzyme/protease activatable probes, or any combination thereof.
  • the dyes used for identification and detection that comprise the solution 18 in the present invention are dyes that are not commonly used in oral screening and detections systems.
  • Toluidine blue-O and tellurium chloride (TeCl) are the standards currently used in oral cancer screening systems.
  • the present invention will not use' these dyes for detection, but rather will employ dyes which bind to cell surface receptors (i.e. lectins conjugated to a fluorophore).
  • FIG. 12 shows the gums 100 being tested for potential cancerous material.
  • the solution 18 is applied to the potentially cancerous area 102 and the solution 18 is allowed to penetrate the area 102 .
  • the area 102 will be illuminated with an excitation light source, ex: ultraviolet light source 26 . If there is potentially cancerous tissue, the tissue 104 will become apparent, as the solution 18 will color the tissue 104 differently by means of fluorescence than the rest of the area 102 .
  • the visualization of the cancerous tissue 104 can be enhanced through the use of additional solutions 18 that contain UV excitable DNA intercalating/binding stains and/or intracellular ion detection dyes.
  • These dyes will be suspended in solution at pre-fixed concentrations and can be applied on the potentially cancerous area 102 , either using the syringe 24 or one of the applicators 12 , which will significantly aid in the visualization, detection, and eventual resection of an oral lesion.
  • these specific dyes accentuate the nuclear material (i.e. DNA) that is present, it makes it easier to identify cancerous material, as an increased level of nuclear material is an indication of cancers.
  • the ion flux i.e. calcium
  • the intercellular pathways occurs more often for rapidly proliferating cell types (i.e. cancers), and the discussed solutions will be used to enhance these cellular components.
  • the visual enhancement solution 18 may additionally include different molecular probes, such epidermal growth factor (EGF) for binding to a epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) to create a targeted fluorescent marker, sugar bonding proteins, other lectins, and/or enzyme/protease activatable probes, or other probes and receptors as noted above.
  • EGF epidermal growth factor
  • EGFR epidermal growth factor receptors
  • the biopsy kit 20 of FIG. 8 is used for removal.
  • the biopsy kit 20 comprises a punch biopsy device 28 , sterile scissors 32 and 44 , forceps 30 , prep pads, including iodine 40 and alcohol prep pads 42 , sterile fabric for application to the gums 100 , such as gauze 36 and bandages 38 .
  • Other items, such as needle holders or other devices to assist in the removal of the tissue 104 can be included in the biopsy kit 20 , and the kit 10 , in general.
  • FIG. 14 shows the punch biopsy device 28 being used to remove the tissue 104 . Once the tissue 104 is removed from the area 102 , it will be delivered to a lab for analysis.
  • the punch biopsy device 28 can be of any standard punch device as used and known in the industry.
  • FIGS. 15 and 16 show the preparation and treatment of the gums 100 after the tissue 104 has been removed from the gums 100 .
  • the gums 100 are being prepared with either the iodine prep pad 40 or the alcohol pad 42 .
  • FIG. 16 shows application of the gauze 36 and the bandage 38 to the gums 100 to staunch bleeding, promote healing, and prevent infection where the tissue 104 was removed.
  • the present invention provides an improved cancer detection system by providing methods, devices, and kits that are more capable of detecting possible cancerous tissue. Previous testing systems were not inclusive, as it was not known that the added levels of testing would significantly increase detection rates, more so than a simple additive effect. As such, the present invention provides a cancer detection system that greatly enhances the ability to determine whether a person has cancerous or potentially cancerous material. Furthermore, the present invention further assists the user in properly detecting cancerous materials, by providing the manual 12 that provides both textual and pictorial information to assist the user in detecting the cancerous material
  • the kits and methods of the invention are capable of detecting molecular level changes before detectable anatomical changes occur, providing hope of earlier cancer detection.
  • kits of the prevent invention have been discussed as they relate to the detection of cancers of the oral mucosa (oral cancers), it is recognized that cancers of epithelial mucosal tissues in general share common attributes with cancers of the oral mucosa. Accordingly, the invention further encompasses kits for detecting other cancers and precancers of the mucosa, including without limitation cervical and esophageal cancers.
  • Freshly extracted tissue samples were obtained either from patients diagnosed with oral cancer or from scalpel biopsies acquired from patients suspected of having oral cancer. To assess differential binding specificity between normal and cancerous tissue, biopsies of both clinically normal and abnormal oral tissues were obtained. Paired biopsies of clinically normal and abnormal oral mucosa were acquired according to accepted clinical practice. Normal tissue biopsies either came from tissue adjacent to the surgical margin or from a slight extension of suspicious lesion margins.
  • tissue samples were placed in 1 ⁇ phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (Sigma Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.) to prevent dehydration and then were immediately imaged.
  • PBS phosphate buffered saline
  • epi-illumination (reflectance) images were acquired from the tissue samples under narrow band illumination of UV light for autofluorescent measurements of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and other natural intrinsic fluorophores, and under narrow band illumination of near-infrared light for autofluorescent/pre-incubation measurements corresponding to the excitation wavelength of Alexa Fluor 647 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). Both measurements were taken before topical application of Alex Fluor 647 lectin conjugates (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) to obtain a comparison of signals originating from tissue autofluorescence at 365 nm and 630 nm.
  • Alexa Fluor 647 lectin conjugates differed in normal and neoplastic oral tissues.
  • Alexa Fluor 647 lectin conjugates (5 ⁇ M titration in 1 ⁇ PBS, pH 7.4) were topically applied to these tissue samples in the presence of 10% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) (Sigma Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.).
  • DMSO dimethylsulfoxide
  • the lectin conjugates studied in this investigation were WGA (Triticum vulgare), GS II (Griffonia simplicifoia), and PNA (peanut lectin), which are specific for N-acetyl Glucosamine & Sialic acid residues, N-acetyl Glucosamine resides, and Galactose & desialiated glyco residues.
  • tissue sample images were acquired using a custom designed optical system (See FIG. 17 ).
  • This imaging system allows for epi-illumination data acquisition to be obtained at multiple wavelengths; specifically using white light, UV (365 nm ⁇ 7.25 nm), and near infrared (630 nm f 10 nm).
  • Excitation illumination was performed with high intensity light emitting diodes (Opto Technology Inc., Wheeling, Ill.) collimated and directed to evenly illuminate the entire field of view (i.e. 5 cm ⁇ 5 cm).
  • the high intensity LEDs were powered using constant current LED drivers (LuxDrive a division of LEDdynamics Inc, Randolph, Vt.) so that constant radiant power could be achieved.
  • each sample received a unique label with no patient identifying information so that the pathological diagnosis was determined independently from the fluorescent staining results.
  • Tissue samples were fixed and frozen sections were acquired for quick initial diagnosis. However, for final pathological diagnosis, the samples were paraffin embedded and submitted for routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and examined by a board certified pathologist.
  • H&E hematoxylin and eosin
  • H&E staining To evaluate effects of Alexa Fluor lectin conjugate labeling on H&E staining, we compared Alex Fluor lectin conjugate labeled slices with unlabeled control slices from the same biopsy set. Comparison of these slices showed no effect of labeling on H&E staining. Further H&E staining was similar for normal and clinically abnormal tissue independent of the degree of staining with Alexa Fluor lectin conjugate. The pathological diagnosis was then classified into one of the following 3 categories: (1) normal, (2) dysplasia and (3) cancer with stage.
  • Patient 9 was excluded from the data set for several reasons: first, the abnormal biopsy came from the larynx while the normal tissue came from the base of the tongue, representing grossly different tissue morphology; second, the samples were acquired by a surgeon unfamiliar with the standards, goals, and procedures of the study; and third, we decided to focus on cancers of the oral cavity for this investigation.
  • UV autofluorescence has not been used commercially, and offers several advantages, since the human eye can essentially act as the ‘filter’ to remove the excitation light eliminating unnecessary cost and device complexity associated with optical filtering.
  • FIG. 18 shows an autofluorescence image obtained where UV light was used to cause autofluorescence in tissue samples obtained from patient number 3 superimposed on a white light image of the same tissue samples.
  • the fluorescence intensity scale (in au) is shown to the right of the fluorescence image.
  • the cancerous tissue sample on the left has higher fluorescence intensity than the normal tissue on the right.
  • the calculated SNR between normal and abnormal tissue was 1.85 when the fluorescent signals were measured using a CCD camera with a 450 nm ⁇ 20 nm bandpass filter and a 400 nm longpass filter. Comparable results were obtained when autofluorescent images were acquired with a 450 nm ⁇ 5 nm bandpass filter and a 400 nm longpass filter; however, better contrast was consistently obtained with the first filter choice.
  • a complete glossectomy (removal of the tongue) was performed on patient 2.
  • the removed tissue was stained with 4 ml of 5 ⁇ M WGA probe in 10% DMSO solution and incubated for one hour at 37 degrees C.
  • the tissue was then washed three times in succession, the first time with 100 ml 1 ⁇ PBS in 10% DMSO, and the second and third times with 100 ml 1 ⁇ PBS.
  • the tissue was then exposed to the excitation light source, and the resulting fluorescence image is shown in FIG. 19 .
  • the fluorescence intensity scale (in au) is shown to the right of the fluorescence image.
  • the region of interest on the lower right section of the tongue tissue inside the broken line was surgically diagnosed as normal.
  • the rest of the tongue tissue was determined to be cancerous.
  • fluorescence intensity was substantially higher in the normal tissue than in the cancerous tissue.
  • the differential signal ratio fluorescence intensity ratio of normal tissue to cancerous tissue
  • Both normal and tumor tissue samples were obtained by biopsy from the buccal mucosa of patient 3.
  • the tissue samples were stained with 0.5 ml of 5 ⁇ M WGA probe in 10% DMSO solution and incubated for one hour at 37 degrees C.
  • the tissue samples were then washed three times in succession, the first time with 40 ml 1 ⁇ PBS in 10% DMSO, and the second and third times with 40 ml 1 ⁇ PBS.
  • the tissue samples were then exposed to an excitation light source, and the resulting fluorescence image is shown in FIG. 20 .
  • the fluorescence intensity scale (in au) is shown to the right of the fluorescence image.
  • the normal tissue sample is on the right and the tumor tissue sample is shown on the left.
  • fluorescence intensity was substantially higher in the normal tissue than in the cancerous tissue. Based on a comparison of the fluorescence intensity measured from the cancerous tissue (within the leftmost oval) and the normal tissue (within the rightmost circle), the differential signal ratio for this sample was calculated to be 3.65.
  • a partial glossectomy was performed on patient 4.
  • the removed tissue was stained with 4 ml of 5 ⁇ M WGA probe in 10% DMSO solution and incubated for one hour at 37 degrees C.
  • the tissue was then washed three times in succession, the first time with 100 ml 1 ⁇ PBS in 10% DMSO, and the second and third times with 100 ml 1 ⁇ PBS.
  • the tissue was then exposed to an excitation light source, and the resulting fluorescence image is shown in FIG. 21 .
  • the fluorescence intensity scale (in au) is shown to the right of the fluorescence image.
  • the normal tissue In the fluorescence image itself, the normal tissue is on the right and the cancerous tissue is shown on the left. As shown in the image, fluorescence intensity was substantially higher in the normal tissue than in the cancerous tissue. Based on a comparison of the fluorescence intensity measured from the cancerous tissue (within the leftmost oval) and the normal tissue (within the rightmost circle), the differential signal ratio for this sample was calculated to be 4.20.
  • a dysplastic tissue sample was obtained by biopsy from the cheek oral mucosa of patient 5.
  • the tissue sample was histologically determined to be normal (non-cancerous).
  • the tissue sample was stained with 0.5 ml of 5 ⁇ M WGA probe in 10% DMSO solution and incubated for one hour at 37 degrees C.
  • the tissue sample was then washed three times in succession, the first time with 40 ml 1 ⁇ PBS in 10% DMSO, and the second and third times with 40 ml 1 ⁇ PBS.
  • the tissue sample was then exposed to an excitation light source, and the resulting fluorescence image is shown in FIG. 23 .
  • the fluorescence intensity scale (in au) is shown to the right of the fluorescence image.
  • the area of interest inside the broken line border has a significantly lower fluorescence intensity than the surrounding regions, a staining pattern that is suspiciously similar to what was seen previously in cancerous tissue.
  • histology tests did not confirm the presence of cancer. This is not entirely unexpected, given that a comparison of the fluorescence intensity measured from the suspicious area of interest (within the upper circle) and the surrounding area (within the lower oval) showed a differential signal ratio of 1.44, a substantially lower differential signal ratio than was characteristic of normal/cancerous tissues in other samples.
  • Normal and tumor tissue samples were obtained by biopsy from the buccal mucosa of patient 6. Histology was used to determine that one area of the tumor tissue was in fact dysplastic rather than cancerous, but that a second area in the tumor tissue sample was cancerous.
  • the tissue samples were stained with 0.5 ml of 5 ⁇ M WGA probe in 10% DMSO solution and incubated for one hour at 37 degrees C. The tissue samples were then washed three times in succession, the first time with 40 ml 1 ⁇ PBS in 10% DMSO, and the second and third times with 40 ml 1 ⁇ PBS. The tissue samples were then exposed to an excitation light source, and the resulting fluorescence image is shown in FIG. 24 .
  • the fluorescence intensity scale (in au) is shown to the right of the fluorescence image.
  • the normal tissue In the fluorescence image itself, the normal tissue is on the right, the cancerous tissue is in the center, and the dysplastic tissue is on the left.
  • fluorescence intensity was substantially higher in the normal tissue than in the cancerous tissue. Based on a comparison of the fluorescence intensity measured from the cancerous tissue (within the center circle) and the normal tissue (within the rightmost oval), the differential signal ratio for this sample was calculated to be 2.00.
  • Normal and tumor tissue samples were obtained by biopsy from the lip of patient 7.
  • the tissue samples were stained with 0.5 ml of 5 ⁇ M WGA probe in 10% DMSO solution and incubated for one hour at 37 degrees C.
  • the tissue samples were then washed three times in succession, the first time with 40 ml 1 ⁇ PBS in 10% DMSO, and the second and third times with 40 ml 1 ⁇ PBS.
  • the tissue samples were then exposed to an excitation light source, and the resulting fluorescence image is shown in FIG. 25 .
  • the fluorescence intensity scale (in au) is shown to the right of the fluorescence image.
  • the “normal” tissue sample is on the right and the tumor tissue sample is on the left. Histology confirmed that the tumor tissue sample was cancerous; however, histology revealed that the “normal” tissue sample actually transitioned from normal tissue (within the leftmost circle) through dysplastic tissue (within the center circle) and finally to cancerous tissue (within the rightmost oval).
  • fluorescence intensity was substantially higher in the normal regions of the tissue samples than in the cancerous regions, with the fluorescence intensity of the dysplastic regions being intermediate between the two.
  • the differential signal ratio for this sample was calculated to be 5.32.
  • the differential signal ratio between the dysplastic (central circle) and cancerous (rightmost oval) regions of the “normal” tissue sample was calculated to be 2.01.
  • the differential signal ratio between the dysplastic (central circle) and cancerous (rightmost oval) regions of the “normal” tissue sample was calculated to be 2.01.
  • tissue samples were obtained by biopsy from the check mucosa of patient 8. The tissue samples were stained with 0.5 ml of 5 ⁇ M WGA probe in 10% DMSO solution and incubated for one hour at 37 degrees C. The tissue samples were then washed three times in succession, the first time with 40 ml 1 ⁇ PBS in 10% DMSO, and the second and third times with 40 ml 1 ⁇ PBS. The tissue samples were then exposed to an excitation light source, and the resulting fluorescence image is shown in FIG. 26 .
  • the fluorescence intensity scale (in au) is shown to the right of the fluorescence image.
  • the “suspicious” tissue sample is on the left and the normal tissue sample is on the right. Histology was used to determine that both tissues were in fact normal. This finding was consistent with the imaging results, where the differential signal ratio between the two samples was calculated to be 0.82, showing only a small difference in fluorescence intensity between the two samples.
  • This result typifies a perfect negative control, since the biopsied lesion was quite indicative of a papilloma which is commonly caused by the human papilloma virus and can further lead to oral cancer; however, the fluorescent staining proved that the tissue was benign, demonstrating the sensitivity and specificity of the approach.
  • Normal and tumor tissue samples were obtained by biopsy from the buccal mucosa of patient 10.
  • the tissue samples were stained with 0.5 ml of 5 ⁇ M WGA probe in 10% DMSO solution and incubated for one hour at 37 degrees C.
  • the tissue samples were then washed three times in succession, the first time with 40 ml 1 ⁇ PBS in 10% DMSO, and the second and third times with 40 ml 1 ⁇ PBS.
  • the tissue samples were then exposed to an excitation light source, and the resulting fluorescence image is shown in FIG. 27 .
  • the fluorescence intensity scale (in au) is shown to the right of the fluorescence image.
  • the normal tissue sample is on the right, and the cancerous tissue is on the left.
  • the differential signal ratio for this sample was calculated to be 3.14.
  • Biopsy tissue was obtained from the tongue of patient 11. The tissue was stained with 2 ml of 5 ⁇ M WGA probe in 10% DMSO solution and incubated for one hour at 37 degrees C. The tissue was then washed three times in succession, the first time with 40 ml 1 ⁇ PBS in 10% DMSO, and the second and third times with 40 ml 1 ⁇ PBS. The tissue was then exposed to an excitation light source, and the resulting fluorescence image is shown in FIG. 28 .
  • the fluorescence intensity scale (in au) is shown to the right of the fluorescence image. Histology done on a frozen section of the tissue along the vertical dotted line revealed tissue change along the line from top to bottom from normal tissue (top of dotted line on sample image) to dysplastic tissue (within the top oval) to cancerous tissue (within the central circle) to dysplastic tissue and back to normal tissue (within the bottom oval). Based on a comparison of the fluorescence intensity measured from the cancerous tissue (within the center circle) and the normal tissue (within the bottom oval), the differential signal ratio was calculated to be 3.04. Based on a comparison of the fluorescence intensity measured from the dysplastic tissue (within the top oval) and the normal tissue (within the bottom oval), the differential signal ratio was calculated to be 2.42.
  • a partial glossectomy was performed on patient 4. Both normal and tumor tissue were removed from the sample obtained by partial glossectomy, and the tissue samples were stained with 0.5 ml of 5 ⁇ M GS-II probe in 10% DMSO solution and incubated for one hour at 37 degrees C. The tissue samples were then washed three times in succession, the first time with 40 ml 1 ⁇ PBS in 10% DMSO, and the second and third times with 40 ml 1 ⁇ PBS. The tissue samples were then exposed to an excitation light source, and the resulting fluorescence image is shown in FIG. 29 .
  • the fluorescence intensity scale (in au) is shown to the right of the fluorescence image.
  • the normal tissue In the fluorescence image itself, the normal tissue is on the right and the cancerous tissue is shown on the left. As shown in the image, fluorescence intensity was higher in the normal tissue than in the cancerous tissue. Based on a comparison of the fluorescence intensity measured from the cancerous tissue and the normal tissue, the differential signal ratio for this sample was calculated to be 1.43.
  • Both cancerous and normal biopsy tissue samples were obtained from the base of the tongue of patient 1.
  • the tissue samples were stained with 0.5 ml of 5 ⁇ M PNA probe in 10% DMSO solution and incubated for thirty minutes at room temperature.
  • the tissue was then washed three times in succession with 30 ml 1 ⁇ PBS.
  • the tissue samples were then exposed to an excitation light source, and the resulting fluorescence image is shown in FIG. 30 .
  • the fluorescence intensity scale (in au) is shown to the right of the fluorescence image.
  • the normal tissue is on the right and the cancerous tissue is shown on the left.
  • fluorescence intensity was higher in the cancerous tissue than in the normal tissue.
  • the differential signal ratio for this sample was calculated to be 1.58.
  • Both normal and tumor tissue samples were obtained by biopsy from the buccal mucosa of patient 3.
  • the tissue samples were stained with 0.5 ml of 5 ⁇ M PNA probe in 10% DMSO solution and incubated for one hour at 37 degrees C.
  • the tissue samples were then washed three times in succession, the first time with 40 ml 1 ⁇ PBS in 10% DMSO, and the second and third times with 40 ml 1 ⁇ PBS.
  • the tissue samples were then exposed to an excitation light source, and the resulting fluorescence image is shown in FIG. 31 .
  • the fluorescence intensity scale (in au) is shown to the right of the fluorescence image.
  • the normal tissue sample is on the right and the cancerous tissue sample is shown on the left. Fluorescence intensity was somewhat higher in the normal tissue than in the cancerous tissue. Based on a comparison of the fluorescence intensity measured from the cancerous tissue (within the leftmost oval) and the normal tissue (within the rightmost circle), the differential signal ratio for this sample was calculated to be 1.15.
  • FIG. 31A compares the differential signal ratios for the autofluorescence and WGA fluorescent probes in seven of the patients. In all seven patients for which the data is compared, the differential signal ratio is greater using the WGA fluorophore probe than it is for using autofluorescence, and in six of the seven it is at least double the ratio obtained using autofluorescence.
  • FIG. 32B illustrates the clear differential in differential signal ratio when comparing normal to cancerous tissue (rightmost bar), normal to dysplastic tissue (center bar), and normal to normal tissue (leftmost bar).
  • the three comparison groups exhibited significantly different differential signal ratios, with p ⁇ 0.05. Because the signal intensity emitted by the WGA fluorophore probes varies linearly with disease progression, the method may be broadly applicable to detecting surgical margins and providing additional prognostic and diagnostic data.
  • GS-II fluorescent probes exhibited increased signal intensity in normal tissue as compared to cancerous tissue, demonstrating that probe specificity can be generalized to other lectin probes.
  • topical application of lectin probes to mucosal epithelial tissues followed by molecular imaging of the tissues can be used to spatially resolve cancerous, precancerous, and normal tissue with a high differential signal ratio.

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