Final Report Summary - SURVIVE (Integrating cancer detection and SURgery Via molecular Imaging)
The work in this research project has resulted in the clinical translation of several tracers. The fluorescent tracer cRGD-ZW800-1 was translated into the clinic for use in colorectal cancer patients, and was able to identify all colorectal tumors at various doses. In preclinical experiments, the suitability of targeting several cancer specific receptors for imaging of various gastro-intestinal tumors was investigated and resulted in a clear overview of the most relevant targets for molecular imaging. Following this, a cRGD and HER2 targeted PET tracer were translated and are currently investigated in clinical trials. Last, the groundwork was laid for the integration of optical navigation (using optical tracking systems and anatomical atlases) into the intraoperative setting and a novel Freehand Fluorescence and Freehand SPECT technique were developed. Finally, based on the results of this project a practice change was established to treat rectal cancer patients without surgery as part of the Watch and Wait strategy (in patients with a complete clinical remission of the tumor after chemoradiation).