LAUSR

AIM To demonstrate the feasibility of intratracheal administration in orthotopic lung cancer model with 19F MRI. MATERIALS & METHODS αvβ3-integrin targeting ability of the perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoparticles was tested. Orthotopic lung cancer model was established in rabbits under computed tomography guidance. αvβ3-targeted PFC nanoparticles were administrated intratracheally or intravenously, and 19F MRI was performed before and up to 24 h after administration. RESULTS The targeted PFC nanoparticles could bind with αvβ3-integrin. PFC concentrations in the tumors of intratracheal group after administration were significantly higher than intravenous group. CONCLUSION Intratracheal administration of PFC nanoparticles was shown to be feasible and efficacious. 19F MRI with αvβ3-targeted PFC nanoparticles provided quantitative assessment of nanoparticles distribution and tumor angiogenesis.