Dual-Contrast CT Colocalizing Vasculature and Tumor Boundaries via a Long-Circulating Hafnium Oxide Nanoprobe

Accurate visualization of hepatic vasculature and tumor margins is critical for preoperative evaluation and intraoperative guidance in liver cancer. Here, we report a dual-contrast computed tomography (CT) strategy using a long-circulating hafnium oxide nanoprobe to enable concurrent visualization of hepatic vasculature and tumor boundaries. In an orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mouse model, the nanoprobe provided sustained positive vascular contrast while simultaneously delineating tumor margins with negative contrast for over 120 min. Unlike conventional multiphase CT, this single-injection approach captures both vascular and tumor information in a single scan. This simple yet effective strategy offers new insights into the development of next-generation multifunctional diagnostic nanoprobes.