The clinical translation of novel near-infrared fluorophores for fluorescence guided surgery

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging is a promising intraoperative technique for real-time visualization of vital structures and tumor tissue during surgery. This manuscript describes the applications and limitations of NIR fluorescence imaging, and provides a general overview of two novel fluorescent agents and the process of clinical translation. The process of clinical translation of novel fluorescent agents is an essential part in the evolution of NIR fluorescence guided surgery. Treatments and surgeries are constantly advancing, which can occasionally cause challenges or difficulties for the surgeons. Poor visualization of tumors during surgery is one of the major challenges surgeons often face in oncologic patients, mainly due to the improved neo-adjuvant treatment patients receive. In these cases, NIR fluorescence imaging with the use of tumor-targeted fluorescent agents can play an essential role and help provide better results or outcomes. However, before this technique can be implemented in standard of care, optimal tumor-targeted fluorescent agents need to be developed and novel fluorescent agents need to undergo a successful process of clinical translation.