VEGF-targeted Fluorescence Near-Infrared (NIR) Endoscopy in (Pre)Malignant Esophageal Lesions

University Medical Center Groningen14 enrolled

Overview

To improve detection of esophageal (pre)malignant lesions during surveillance endoscopy of patients at risk of developing malignancies, for example in Barrett's Esophagus (BE), there is a need for better endoscopic visualization and the ability for targeted biopsies. Optical molecular imaging of neoplasia associated biomarkers could form a promising technique to accommodate this need. It is known that the biomarker Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is overexpressed in dysplastic and neoplastic areas in BE segments versus normal tissue and has proven to be a valid target for molecular imaging. The University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) developed a fluorescent tracer by labeling the VEGF-targeting humanized monoclonal antibody bevacizumab, currently used in anti-cancer therapy, with the fluorescent dye IRDye800CW. We hypothesize that when bevacizumab-IRDye800CW is administered, it accumulates in VEGF expressing high grade dysplasia (HGD) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), enabling early cancer visualization using a newly developed fluorescent NIR fiber-bundle. This hypothesis will be tested in this pilot intervention study.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

DIAGNOSTIC

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Esophageal Cancer Dysplasia

Interventions

Bevacizumab-IRDye800CWDRUG

Intravenous administration of a microdose (4.5mg, subtherapeutic) of Bevacizumab-IRDye800CW 2 days prior to the fluorescence endoscopy procedure. \* amendment June 2015: topical administration bevacizumab-800CW (100ug/ml)

Near infrared fluorescence endoscopy platformDEVICE

A flexible fiber-bundle is attached with its proximal end to a camera which can detect near infrared fluorescent light. The distal end is inserted into the working channel of a clinical video endoscope to visualize the luminal wall. The fluorescent imaging will be performed prior and post the endoscopic resection (within the same endoscopic session)

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Identified HGD or intramucosal EAC (T1) and therefore candidate for endoscopic mucosal resection therapy * Mentally competent person, 18 years or older. * Written informed consent. * Adequate potential for follow-up. Exclusion Criteria: * Medical or psychiatric conditions that compromise the patient's ability to give informed consent. * Submucosal and invasive EAC; EAC with tumor-classification other than T1. * Concurrent (uncontrolled) medical conditions which disqualify for an endoscopic mucosal resection procedure. * Previously performed therapeutic endoscopic procedures. * Pregnancy or breast feeding.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

NIR fluorescent signal in vivo (prior to EMR)

Evaluating presence of specific fluorescent signal in (pre)malignant esophageal lesion in vivo, with use of Near Infrared (NIR) fluorescence endoscopy platform.

Time frame: 1 day (endoscopy-day)

Secondary Outcomes

Number of participants with adverse events (AE), serious adverse events (SAE) and suspected unexpected serious adverse reactions (SUSAR).

Data collection as a measure of safety and tolerability regarding administration of Bevacizumab-IRDye800CW

Time frame: Two days prior and up to 1 week after administration of tracer

VEGF expression ex vivo

Correlation between specific fluorescent signal in vivo and ex vivo (observed with near-infrared fluorescence endoscopy) and VEGF expression ex vivo (immunohistochemistry).

Time frame: up to 1 year

NIR fluorescent signal in vivo (wound bed, post EMR)

Presence of specific fluorescence signal in correlation to histological evaluation of specimen (resection margins)