# Targeted Dual Modality Imaging for Detection and Removal of Head and Neck Cancer

> **NIH NIH R01** · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · 2022 · $426,011

## Abstract

Abstract
Despite advances in operative technology, intraoperative methods for primary tumor and lymph node
detection have not changed in the past 30 years. To this end, we propose to use a fluorescent and nuclear
labeled anti-EGFR antibody (panitumumab) for targeted dual modality imaging (TDMI) of the primary tumor
and lymph nodes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) In this application, we propose to
use labeled panitumumab since it has been successful in several early-stage studies, we introduce two
novel concepts for intraoperative detection of very small (1 mm3) tumor deposits. First, we combine the
high-resolution/depth-limited imaging properties of optical imaging agents with the low-resolution/not
depth-limited properties of nuclear agents. Second, we show that these two agents can be systemically
administered for the detection of tumor-positive lymph nodes. We provide extensive clinical data in
HNSCC to demonstrate that tumor fragments less than 1 mm3 in size can be detected using anti-EGFR
antibody (panitumumab) as the targeting molecular to fulfill the needs of PAR-20-295 entitled, ‘Optical
fluorescent methods and technologies for sensitive cancer detection in vivo’. While use of anti-EGFR
antibodies for imaging alone is not innovative, innovation should be considered in the context of PAR-
20-295 which requires applications use “…probes with previously demonstrated capabilities for the
detection of small tumors”. To this end, we introduce dual modality imaging and leveraging this for
molecular imaging lymph nodes. This study is designed to meet FDA guidelines for a surgical imaging
trials. Patients eligible for head and neck cancer resection will receive a systemic administration of an anti-
EGFR antibody (panitumumab) labeled with either IRDye800 (pan800) or 111Indium (111In-pan) for
fluorescent and nuclear signal, respectively. After systemic administration of both agents, a SPECT/CT will
be performed to identify the location of tumor-positive margins and tumor-positive lymph nodes. The
patient will then undergo resection of the primary tumor and neck dissection using fluorescent and gamma
probe guidance (while maintaining the standard of care). We hypothesize that introduction of targeted dual
modality imaging (TDMI) will improve intraoperative decision making.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10508399
- **Project number:** 1R01CA266233-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** EBEN L. ROSENTHAL
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $426,011
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-08-01 → 2027-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10508399

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10508399, Targeted Dual Modality Imaging for Detection and Removal of Head and Neck Cancer (1R01CA266233-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10508399. Licensed CC0.

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