Ultrasound molecular imaging of ovarian cancer with CA-125 targeted nanobubble contrast agents

Ultrasound contrast agents able to target a molecular signature on the surface of cancer cells could be a promising strategy for improved cancer detection. Here we demonstrate application of CA-125-targeted echogenic lipid and surfactant-stabilized nanobubbles (smaller than 200 nm mean hydrodynamic diameter) for targeting CA-125 positive OVCAR-3 tumors in mice. Targeted or non-targeted nanobubbles were injected into mice (via tail vein) bearing either CA-125 positive or negative flank ovarian tumors. Tumors were imaged with contrast harmonic imaging at 12 MHz, and time-intensity curves and histology were utilized to compare tumor distribution and pharmacokinetics of the contrast agents.254