Intraoperative Near-infrared Imaging Can Identify Neoplasms and Aid in Real-time Margin Assessment During Pancreatic Resection

Objective: To determine if intraoperative near-infrared (NIR) imaging carries benefit in resection of pancreatic neoplasms. Background: Resection of pancreatic malignancies is hindered by high rates of local and distant recurrence from positive margins and unrecognized metastases. Improved tumor visualization could improve outcomes. We hypothesized that intraoperative NIR imaging with a clinically approved optical contrast agent could serve as a useful adjunct in assessing margins and extent of disease during pancreatic resections. Methods: Twenty patients were enrolled in an open-label clinical trial from July 2016 to May 2018. Subjects received second window indocyanine green (ICG) (2.5–5 mg/kg) 24 hours prior to pancreatic resection. NIR imaging was performed during staging laparoscopy and after pancreas mobilization in situ and following resection ex vivo. Tumor fluorescence was quantified using tumor-to-background ratio (TBR). Fluorescence at the specimen margin was compared to pathology evaluation. Results: Procedures included 9 pancreaticoduodenectomies, 10 distal pancreatectomies, and 1 total pancreatectomy; 21 total specimens were obtained. Three out of 8 noninvasive tumors were fluorescent (mean TBR 2.59 ± 2.57). Twelve out of 13 invasive malignancies (n = 12 pancreatic adenocarcinoma, n = 1 cholangiocarcinoma) were fluorescent (mean TBR 4.42 ± 2.91). Fluorescence at the transection margin correlated with final pathologic assessment in 12 of 13 patients. Following neoadjuvant therapy, 4 of 5 tumors were fluorescent; these 4 tumors showed no treatment response on pathology assessment. One tumor had a significant treatment response and showed no fluorescence. Conclusions: Second window ICG reliably accumulates in invasive pancreatic malignancies and provides real-time feedback during pancreatectomy. NIR imaging may help to assess the response to neoadjuvant therapy.