The basic goal of any surgery is to completely eradicate the cancerous cells, even the smallest of tumor cells. In the case of mesothelioma, the tumor develops on the lining of the internal organs (mesothelial lining) and the the survival of the patient crucially depends upon the visibility and detection of all the cancerous cells and spreading tumor sites.

For that matter, application of the highly sensitive fluorescent technique can help surgeons visualize and eliminate even the tiniest tumors of peritoneal mesothelioma.

In a study published by the American Chemical Society, “Highly Specific and Sensitive Fluorescent Nanoprobes for Image-Guided Resection of Sub-Millimeter Peritoneal Tumors” on 18th January, 2017, the researchers have highlighted a highly sensitive fluorescent technique, called as eNP (expansile nanoparticles), in which rhodamine-labeled fluorescent nanoparticles are used for the complete visualization of the smallest of cancerous tumors.

Significance of Expansile Nanoparticles (eNP)

Expansile nanoparticles are tiny microscopic particles which are designed to extend and expand themselves, while simultaneously releasing the attached contents.

Researchers of the Boston University and Brigham Women’s Hospital, labeled these nanoparticles with the highly fluorescent rhodamine, which has luminous ability to locate the presence of cancerous cells.

Any sort of fluorescent particles illuminate in the presence of certain wavelength of light. So when these nanoprobes are expanded in cancer patient, and the particular cancerous area is exposed with light of specific wavelength, even the tiniest cancerous tumor will illuminate.

Thus making it extremely easy for the surgeon to effortlessly locate and thoroughly remove the tumors.

Significance of fluorescent rhodamine-labeled expansile nanoparticles (HFR-eNP)

Highly specific fluorescent rhodamine-labeled expansile nanoparticles (HFR-eNP) are extremely significant for the Improved detection and visualization of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma tumors.

This fluorescent technique is used to locate cancerous tumors and has a clear impact on the survival rate of peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

Through various tests and experiments, the researchers have observed that through this technique, complete removal of metastatic and primary mesothelioma tumors is possible.

Rhodamine-labeled expansile nanoparticles were found to be highly sensitive and specific, as they have accurately illuminated 95% of the malignant mesothelioma tumors.

In comparison to other techniques used for identification and visualization of the tumor cells, rhodamine-labeled eNP has been proved to be the best.

Lead Author of this study, Aaron Colby stated:

“The covalent incorporation of rhodamine into ~30 nm eNPs increases the fluorescent signal compared to free rhodamine thereby affording a brighter and more effective probe than would be achieved by a single rhodamine molecule,”

This technique clearly provides a ray of hope for the mesothelioma patients. As the complete detection and visualization of the cancerous tumors holds the key importance for the complete eradication of even the tiniest amount mesothelioma tumor cells.

This not only calls for a successful surgery but will also remove all the chances of further metastasis of tumor cells.

Fluorescent nanoprobes have also successfully detected and illuminated various tumors of ovarian, pancreatic and mesothelial origin. Clear detection and visualization is the basic challenge to completely remove these cancers through surgery.

Complete detection and proper detection of tumor is directly proportional to the patient’s survival. And rhodamine-labeled expansile nanoparticles (HFR-eNP) have increased the the chances of early detection of cancerous tumors. Thus, improving the survival rate of cancer patients.