Early diagnosis of bladder cancer by photoacoustic imaging of tumor-targeted gold nanorods.

Detection and removal of bladder cancer lesions at an early stage is crucial for preventing tumor relapse and progression. This study aimed to develop a new technological platform for the visualization of small and flat urothelial lesions of high-grade bladder carcinoma in situ (CIS). We found that the integrin α5β1, overexpressed in bladder cancer cell lines, murine orthotopic bladder cancer and human bladder CIS, can be exploited as a receptor for targeted delivery of GNRs functionalized with the cyclic CphgisoDGRG peptide ( Iso4 ). The GNRs@Chit- Iso4 was stable in urine and selectively recognized α5β1 positive neoplastic urothelium, while low frequency ultrasound-assisted shaking of intravesically instilled GNRs@Chit- Iso4 allowed the distribution of nanoparticles across the entire volume of the bladder. Photoacoustic imaging of GNRs@Chit- Iso4 bound to tumor cells allowed for the detection of neoplastic lesions smaller than 0.5 mm that were undetectable by ultrasound imaging and bioluminescence.
Competing Interests: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Massimo Alfano reports financial support was provided by EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Future and Emerging Technologies.
(© 2022 The Authors.)