Comparison of the efficacy of FITC-conjugated dextran, PEG, and HA as intraoperative navigation materials in pancreatic cancer

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer, a highly aggressive solid tumor, presents multiple challenges in treatment. Although surgical resection is the primary treatment for early-stage non-metastatic cases, the deep abdominal location of the pancreas complicates precise intraoperative localization, adversely affecting surgical outcomes and patient prognosis. To address these clinical challenges, we aim to develop an innovative intraoperative navigation platform for precision tumor-targeted delivery. We systematically evaluated the tumor-targeting specificity and tissue-penetrating capacity of three hydrosoluble polymers, i.e., dextran, PEG, and HA, in pancreatic carcinoma models. The uptake kinetics of these materials in cancer cells and their penetration dynamics across complex tumor matrices were quantitatively evaluated via in vitro assays and three-dimensional tumor spheroid models. Complementary in vivo validation involved the use of PNAC-1 cell subcutaneous xenograft models to map the spatiotemporal distribution and tumoral accumulation of the lead candidates. Results demonstrated that dextran-FITC had a superior tumor-targeting performance, showing a significantly higher fluorescence intensity than PEG-FITC and HA-FITC. These preliminary data reveal significant heterogeneity in the intertumoral localization efficiency among the polymer carriers, establishing a mechanistic foundation for intraoperative navigation. Through rational optimization of carrier selection and delivery modalities, this platform aims to enhance surgical precision, minimize off-target effects, and ultimately improve clinical outcomes.