Integration of photoacoustic computed tomography with multitargeted polymer-based nanoparticles visualizes breast cancer intratumor heterogeneity

Abstract

One of the primary challenges in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is intratumor heterogeneity (ITH), i.e., the coexistence of different genetically and epigenetically distinct malignant cells within the same tumor. Identification of ITH is critical for designing better treatments and hence to increase patient survival rates. Here, we report a non-invasive approach that integrates photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) with multitargeted and multiplexed patchy polymeric photoacoustic contrast agents (MTMPPPCAs). The target specificity of MTMPPPCAs to distinguish estrogen and progesterone receptor-positive in breast tumors was demonstrated through both fluorescence and photoacoustic measurements and validated by tissue pathology analysis.