Methods for imaging the lymphatic system using dendrimer-based contrast agents
First Claim
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1. A method for lymphatic system imaging, comprising:
- administering an image enhancing amount of a dendrimer conjugate to a subject, the dendrimer conjugate comprising a DAB-G4D, DAB-G5D, DAB-G6D, DAB-G7D, DAB-G8D, PAMAM-G4D, PAMAM-G5D, PAMAM-G6D, PAMAM-G7D, or PAMAM-G8D dendrimer and a metal chelate; and
detecting a difference in an image signal intensity of at least a portion of the lymphatic system after the dendrimer conjugate is administered, wherein the difference in image signal intensity indicates a condition of the lymphatic system.
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Abstract
Methods are disclosed for lymphatic system imaging using dendrimer conjugates as contrast agents. The disclosed methods are applicable to the imaging of all lymphatic structures, but in particular embodiments are particularly suited for imaging specific parts of the lymphatic system such as lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels. The methods permit the assessment of abnormal conditions within the lymphatic system, such as lymphoma/lymphoproliferative disease, inflammation, and cancer metastasis. The methods also may be used to identify and locate lymph nodes into which lymph fluid flows from a tumor.
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33 Claims
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1. A method for lymphatic system imaging, comprising:
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administering an image enhancing amount of a dendrimer conjugate to a subject, the dendrimer conjugate comprising a DAB-G4D, DAB-G5D, DAB-G6D, DAB-G7D, DAB-G8D, PAMAM-G4D, PAMAM-G5D, PAMAM-G6D, PAMAM-G7D, or PAMAM-G8D dendrimer and a metal chelate; and
detecting a difference in an image signal intensity of at least a portion of the lymphatic system after the dendrimer conjugate is administered, wherein the difference in image signal intensity indicates a condition of the lymphatic system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method for identifying a lymph node into which lymph fluid flows from a tumor in a subject, comprising:
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administering an image-enhancing amount of a dendrimer conjugate to an intratumoral or peritumoral site of administration of the subject, where the dendrimer conjugate is DAB-G4, DAB-G5, DAB-G6, DAB-G7, DAB-G8, PAMAM-G4, PAMAM-G5, PAMAM-G6, PAMAM-G7 or PAMAM-G8;
imaging a path of lymph fluid flow from the site of administration using magnetic resonance imaging of the dendrimer conjugate to provide an image of the lymphatic system draining the tumor; and
identifying the lymph node in the image of the lymphatic system draining the tumor. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification