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[This article belongs to Volume - 70, Issue - 2]
Published on : 2025-02-14 14:01:56
Article Code: AMJ-14-02-2025-12312
Title : Quantum Dot-Based Intraoperative Fluorescence-Guided Surgery Improves Negative Margin Rates in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Author(s) : Dr. Rachel Green, Dr. Amir Hassan, Dr. Thomas Weber
Abstract :
Achieving negative surgical margins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is critical for local control
but challenging due to microscopic tumor infiltration. We developed near-infrared-II (NIR-II) emitting quantum dots
(QDs) conjugated to anti-EGFR antibodies for real-time tumor delineation. In a prospective phase I trial of 30 HNSCC
patients, QD-guided surgery identified positive margins in 8 cases deemed negative by standard white-light
visualization and frozen section analysis. The NIR-II fluorescence offered enhanced tissue penetration depth (3-5 mm)
and tumor-to-background ratios (TBR > 5.0). This nanotechnology platform significantly reduces local recurrence risk
through enhanced intraoperative visualization.