OBJECTIVE(S): Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping commonly involves presurgical administration of a radioactive colloid and intraoperative injection of a blue dye near the tumor. Combining gamma scintigraphy and visual inspection could reduce false-negative rates. This study introduces novel imaging agents-radioactive nanoliposomes (NLs) encapsulating patent blue dye-for lymph node scintigraphy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tc-HMPAO). Lymphatic drainage of the radiolabeled liposomes was assessed in BALB/c mice following subcutaneous footpad injections. Planar imaging was performed at 0.5 and 1 hour postinjection. RESULTS: Tc-HMPAO-non-PEG-NLs had an increased lymph node accumulation through entire time after injection (11.95 ± 0.8% ID/g, 22.95 ± 4.56% ID/g, 29.71 ± 2.16% ID/g at 1, 2, and 4 hours, respectively). Encapsulation efficiency of patent blue dye was determined to be 1.26 ± 0.1%. CONCLUSION: Tc-HMPAO PEG-NLs and non-PEG-NLs containing Paten Blue dye are promising agents for SLN mapping, offering distinct advantages in uptake kinetics and retention for lymphatic imaging and visual detection.
Heidari et al. (Tue,) studied this question.