CONTRAST AGENTS FOR OPTICAL MAMMOGRAPHY

Near infrared imaging is a non-invasive imaging modality which uses li ght of a spectral range between 650 and 1000 nm for tissue transillumi nation. Near infrared photons can penetrate by diffusion into tissue u p to several centimeters due to low absorption by intrinsic chromophor s (e. g. hemoglobine). During the last years optical mammography has b ecome field of growing interest. Several prototypes of near infrared s canners have been developed for clinical studies in order to obtain tr ansillumination images of the breast. The results indicated, that disc rimination of tumors located up to several centimeters below the tissu e surface (e. g. breast tumors) from surrounding healthy tissue did no t succeed with sufficient specificity. The diagnostic potential of nea r infrared imaging can be enhanced using dyes as contrast agents. Spec ially designed cyanine dye derivatives are potential contrast agents b ecause of their suitable optical properties and pharmacokinetic behavi our leading to an increased tumor fluorescence in animals after intrav enous injection.