Detection of residual tumor tissue during surgery in ovarian cancer.

This project consists of the realization followed by the clinical validation of a procedure dedicated to residual disease localization in the case of ovarian cancer. An intra-operative near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging camera and the use of a NIRF optical contrast agent will be evaluated for its feasibility to detect residual disease in patients with ovarian cancer. In order to improve the prognosis of ovarian cancer, residual disease is one of the few factors that can be influenced by more optimal cytoreductive surgery. The end-goal of this intra-operative imaging procedure is to significantly improve the detection and efficiency of the technique in order to reduce the amount of residual tumour tissue. Gynecologic oncologists, surgeons and fundamental physics applied to medical imaging researchers are involved in this project.

Improved detection of tumor.

Debulking surgery.

Administration of folate-FITC prior to surgery. During surgery, a near-infrared fluorescence intra-operative camera system will be used to detect residual tumor tissue.