Endoscopy 2019; 51(04): S106-S107
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1681484
ESGE Days 2019 oral presentations
Saturday, April 6, 2019 11:00 – 13:00: Esophagus diagnosis and ablation South Hall 1B
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

MOLECULAR ENDOSCOPIC IMAGING FOR DETECTION OF BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS (BE) USING NANOPARTICLES

S Ahmed
1   Interdisciplinary Endoscopy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
,
E Hoque Chowdhury
2   Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Monash, Malaysia
,
PR Galle
1   Interdisciplinary Endoscopy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
,
H Neumann
1   Interdisciplinary Endoscopy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 March 2019 (online)

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Aims:

Early detection of BE may allow for more effective surveillance. Molecular endoscopic imaging (MEI) permits visualization of disease-specific molecular alterations. Past studies on MEI have used antibodies for detection of disease-specific targets. In contrast, nanoparticles can be coated with stronger fluorophores and can also be loaded with ligands to multiple biomarkers. To date, no data is available on the use of nanoparticles for MEI.

We aimed to assess the diagnostic applicability of MEI with nanoparticles for diagnosis of Barrett's metaplasia. In addition, we aimed to compare the results with traditional MEI using specific labeled Muc-2 antibodies and histology.

Methods:

Consecutive patients undergoing surveillance of known BE were included. Following careful inspection of the Barrett's segment, biopsies were obtained and rinsed in PBS. Afterwards, biopsies were incubated with FITC labeled Muc-2 antibodies or biodegradable, pH sensitive nanoparticles coupled with FITC conjugated Muc-2. Afterwards, MEI was performed using the probe-based confocal imaging system. Esophageal squamous epithelium and gastric tissue samples were considered as controls. Fluorescence intensities were compared, followed by immunohistochemistry and final histopathological workout.

Results:

22 specimens were analyzed. No fluorescence signals were noted on samples from the squamous epithelium or from the stomach demonstrating the high specificity of the technique. Fluorescence signals were noted for traditional MEI using Muc-2 antibodies in intestinal type Barrett's metaplasia corresponding to goblet cells in the histopathological examination. Of note, significantly stronger fluorescence signals were achieved with nanoparticles coupled with FITC conjugated Muc-2. MEI with nanoparticles for prediction of Barrett's metaplasia corresponded in all cases to final histopathological examination.

Conclusions:

This is the first study showing the applicability of nanoparticles for molecular endoscopic imaging. The use of highly-specific nanoparticles allow for targeted imaging of Barrett's metaplasia. With the potential of nanoparticles allowing ligation to multiple biomarkers, future research is now focusing on identifying different grades of dysplasia.