TITLE: Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer by Molecular Targeted Ultrasound Imaging Together with Serum Markers of Tumor-Associated Nuclear Change and Angiogenesis PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR:

Tumor-associated neoangiogenesis (TAN) is an early event in ovarian cancer (OVCA) development. Increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) by TAN vessels presents a potential target for early detection by ultrasound imaging. The goal of this study was to examine the suitability of VEGFR2-targeted ultrasound imaging agents in detecting spontaneous OVCA in laying hens. Effects of VEGFR2-targeted imaging agents in enhancing ultrasound signal intensity from spontaneous ovarian tumors in hens was examined in a cross sectional study. Enhancement in signal intensity was determined before and after injection of VEGFR2-targeted imaging agents. All ultrasound images were digitally stored and analyzed offline. Following scanning, ovarian tissues were collected and processed for histology and detection of VEGFR2-expressing microvessels. Enhancement in visualization of ovarian morphology was detected by gray scale imaging following injection of VEGFR2-targeted imaging agents. Compared with pre-targeted, targeted imaging enhanced signal intensities significantly (P <0.001) irrespective of the pathological status of ovaries. In contrast to normal hens, ultrasound signal intensity was significantly (P <0.001) higher in hens with early stage OVCA and increased further in hens with late stage OVCA. Higher signal intensities in hens with OVCA was positively correlated with increased (P<0.001) frequencies of VEGFR2-expressing microvessels. The results of this study http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/uix Ultrasonic Imaging