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

Context.— Resection of breast carcinoma with adequate margins reduces the risk of local recurrence and reoperation. Tozuleristide (BLZ-100) is an investigational peptide-fluorophore agent that may aid in intraoperative tumor detection and margin assessment. In this study, fluorescence imaging was conducted ex vivo on gross breast pathology specimens. Objectives.— To determine the potential of tozuleristide to detect breast carcinoma in fresh pathology specimens and the feasibility of fluorescence-guided intraoperative pathology assessment of surgical margins. Design.— Twenty-three patients received an intravenous bolus dose of 6 or 12 mg of tozuleristide at least 1 hour before surgery. Fifteen lumpectomy and 12 mastectomy specimens were evaluated for fluorescence by the site's clinical pathology staff using the SIRIS, an investigational near-infrared imaging device. The breast tissue was then processed per usual procedures. Fluorescent patterns were correlated with the corresponding hematoxylin-eosin–stained sections. Clinical pathology reports were used to correlate fluorescent signal to grade, histotype, prognostic marker status, and margin measurements. Results.— Tozuleristide fluorescence was readily observed in invasive and in situ breast carcinoma specimens. Most invasive carcinomas were bright and focal, whereas in situ lesions demonstrated a less intense, more diffuse pattern. Tozuleristide was detected in ductal and lobular carcinomas with a similar fluorescent pattern. Fluorescence was detected in high- and low-grade lesions, and molecular marker/hormone receptor status did not affect signal. Fluorescence could be used to identify the relationship of carcinoma to margins intraoperatively. Conclusions.— Tumor targeting with tozuleristide allowed visual real-time distinction between pathologically confirmed breast carcinoma and normal tissue.