LightPathTM Imaging System for Ex-vivo Assessment of Margin and Lymph Node Status in Breast Cancer Surgical Specimens

Overview

This study is a prospective, cross-sectional observational single centre study to assess the feasibility of intra-operative Cerenkov Luminescence Imaging (CLI) of breast cancer wide local excision (WLE) specimens and dissected lymph nodes. The samples will be imaged using the LightPathTM Imaging System. The LightPathTM Imaging System which consists of a light-tight box on which are mounted an ultra-sensitive lens and radiation-shielded camera. This study will measure the correlation between margin status of the WLE specimen and the metastatic status of dissected lymph nodes as determined by the LightPathTM Imaging System and by histopathology. This is a pilot study to assess feasibility before proceeding to a pivotal study to evaluate the benefits of the LightPathTM Imaging System in clinical practice.

Subject's blood glucose level will be measured on the day of surgery. Subjects with a blood glucose level \< 12 mmol/l receive an intravenous injection of 5 MBq/kg, up to a maximum 300 MBq of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) prior to surgery. Breast cancer surgery will be performed per standard of care. SLNB will be performed using a dose of 150 MBq technetium 99 (99mTc) nanocolloid and patent blue dye. The resected WLE specimen and lymph nodes will be imaged in the LightPathTM Imaging System. A member of the research team who is not the operating surgeon will capture LightPathTM images intra-operatively. Prior to CLI, the WLE specimen will be placed in a specimen holder. CLI is performed according to the LightPathTM Imaging System instructions for use. All CLI will be performed between 1 and 3 hours post injection of 18F-FDG. The WLE specimen will then undergo standard of care histopathological analysis with a positive margin defined as either invasive carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) within 2mm of the specimen surface. Lymph nodes will also be examined according to standard of care histopathological analysis. The CLI results will not be used to influence any surgical or clinical decision-making. All staff in the operating theatre and the recovery area caring for the patient, and pathology staff processing surgical specimens will wear badge dosimeters. Staff handling surgical specimens will also wear ring dosimeters.