Nanoparticles in Lymphatic Imaging

Peter Choyke, M.D.

Molecular Imaging Program

National Cancer Institute

National Institutes of Health

10/06/2009 Slide #1

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health
10/06/2009 Slide #2

Technology

The lymphatic system is difficult to visualize with current 

imaging technology yet it plays an important role in 

cancer, vascular disease and congenital malformations. 

The agents described will help doctors visualize the 

lymphatic system

Validation in animal models of disease

Stage of research: Pre-clinical but at the translation stage

US Patent Application 12/531,841 filed 8/17/09

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health
Technology Applications

Areas in which the technology can be applied

Cancer

Neurosurgery

Lymphatic malformations

Advantages

The lymphatics and lymph nodes are critical to the spread of 

tumor, yet few imaging techniques exist to visualize the status of 

lymph nodes and lymphatics. These agents will help visualize the 

lymphatics/lymph nodes. 

Moreover, in patients with congenital malformations of the 

lymphatics, it is critical for surgeons to understand the anatomy 

before it can be repaired. 

In neurosurgery, these agents may be used to monitor therapies.

10/06/2009 Slide #3

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health
Dendrimer-contrast agent

We used this series of molecules 

as cores to synthesize the Gdbased nano-size contrast agents 

with various sizes but identical 

chemical properties.

-DTPA-Gd3+

-DTPA-Gd3+

-DTPA-Gd3+

-DTPA-Gd3+

-DTPA-Gd3+

-DTPA-Gd3+
a

IgM

Thyroglobulin

IgG

Albumin

Dynamic light scattering

Size (d. nm)

b

Gel chromatography

Physical characteristics of dendrimer
Micro-MRML of the left breast cancer in a mouse

with the G6 (9 nm) contrast agent

Mammary gland

Superficial 

cervical node

Lateral thoracic 

nodeAxillary node

Schema

3D rotation display

3D Cine-display

3D see-through display

(Kobayashi, JNCI 2004)
MR lymphangiography of a pig

(G6-dendrimer agent: 3 μmolGd/kg)

Collaboration with Boston Children’s hospital
Optical Imaging of the Lymphatics: Organic Dyes

Mammary MRL and optical Imaging of 

living mouse with G6-Cy5.5 dual probe 

(Sentinel LN; Axillary LN)

MRI

Fluorescence

gut
Commercial Applications

The anticipated market will be to diagnostic 

radiology and surgery--to assist in the diagnosis 

and therapy of a variety of conditions

No other product is able to demonstrate the 

lymphatic vessels as well as this agent. It can be 

used with MRI, optical and even radionuclide 

imaging (or a combination). 

Its closest competition comes from iron based 

agents, but the dendrimer technology is 

particularly well suited to the lymphatics.

10/06/2009 Slide #11

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health
Collaboration Opportunities

There are opportunities for licensing the agent for 

commercial development as a diagnostic agent.

Potential therapeutic applications

10/06/2009 Slide #12

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health
Contact Information

For further information contact:

Licensing: 

Michael Shmilovich Esq.

NIH Office of Technology Transfer

shmilovm@mail.nih.gov

301-435-5019

Collaboration:

Thomas P. Clouse, Ph.D. 

NCI Technology Transfer Center

301-594-1903

clouset@mail.nih.gov

10/06/2009 Slide #13

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health