Written by Hannah Segal and Edited by Sorina Long
Using tattoo ink to detect cancer is an increasingly prominent development that can lead the way to a more accessible and cheaper alternative to cancer detection technology [1]. Researchers from the USC Viterbi Department of Biomedical Engineering have recently developed new imaging contrast agents using tattoo ink as a dye [1] [2]. Research from the team has found that when these dyes are attached to nanoparticles, they illuminate cancers, allowing medical professionals to better identify and differentiate between cancer cells and normal adjacent cells [1] [3]. Specifically, this technology, once fully developed, may be utilized for early detection of cancer for patients, which would lead to earlier initiation of treatment plans that effectively eradicate their cancer.
The initial process of cancer detection through such agents includes using a scanner that can detect tumor-targeting nanoparticles to probe the tattoo ink, and seeing spectral fingerprints that can be used to identify nanoparticles [2]. Nanoparticles are a relatively new class of imaging agents used for anatomic and molecular imaging [4]. This agent is especially important in molecular imaging processes: a clinical approach that uses targeted agents to illuminate certain areas of the body in living subjects [5] [6]. Nanoparticles also play an important role in anatomic imaging, allowing medical personnel to view the inside of the human body without the risk of surgery and the use of radiation [7].
The process of detecting cancer with tattoo ink is fairly straightforward in comparison to other technological devices and equipment. The tattoo ink is incorporated into nanoparticles to allow for more sensitive image contrasting when identifying cancerous cells; illuminated particles move through the blood vessel to find cancerous cells [1] [2]. For this to happen, the ink is injected into the deep layer of the skin to temporarily color target parts of the body (eg. specific cells, organs, tissues), which allows medical professionals to see any differences or abnormalities that may indicate the presence of cancer. Then, the ink eventually travels to the liver and is filtered out by the body [2].
There are numerous safety challenges with the use of nanoparticles since the agents often have prolonged retention in the organs that break down the particles (eg. the liver and spleen) [2] [5]. Since the injected ink travels to the liver/spleen and can accumulate there, the use of biodegradable nanomaterials for clinical use are being considered. Additionally, tattoo ink among other dyes and pigments are becoming increasingly used and implemented in imaging practice as many common coloring agents have already been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [2].
Imaging agents play an important role in cancer detection, and tattoo ink’s role as a contrast material has enabled a better identification for cancerous cells or tumors during MRI and CT scans [2]. With the rise of nanoparticles in cancer detection, tattoo ink’s growing importance is becoming more notable in the medical field.
References:
- Salinas, H.R., Miyasato, D.L., Eremina, O.E., Perez, R., Gonzalez, K.L., Czaja, A.T., Burkitt, S., Aron, A., Fernando, A., Ojeda, L.S., Larson, K.N., Mohamed, A.W., Campbell, J.L., Goins, B.A., Zavaleta, C. (2020) A colorful approach towards developing new nano-based imaging contrast agents for improved cancer detection. Biomaterials Science, 2020.
- Sexton, Courtney. “Could Tattoo Ink Be Used to Detect Cancer?” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 18 Sept. 2020, www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/could-tattoo-ink be-used-detect-cancer-180975848/. Accessed 10 Oct. 2020.
- “Nanoparticles.” Nature News, Nature Publishing Group, www.nature.com/subjects/nanoparticles#:~:text=Nanoparticles are particles that exist,in materials science and biology. Accessed 10 Oct. 2020.
- Thakor, A.S., Jokerst, J.V., Ghanouni. P., Campbell, J.L., Mittra, E., Gambhir, S.S. (2016) Clinically Approved Nanoparticle Imaging Agents. Journal of Nuclear Medicine. Dec, 57:1833-1837.
- Wolfram, J., Zhu, M., Yang, Y., Shen, J., Gentile, E., Paolino, D., Fresta, M., Nie, G., Chen, C., Shen, H., Ferrari, M., Zhao, Y. (2015) Safety of Nanoparticles in Medicine. Curr Drug Targets. 16:1671- 81.
- Osborn, E.A., F.A. Jaffer. “Molecular Imaging: Concepts and Applications in Cardiovascular Disease.” Pathobiology of Human Disease, Academic Press, 21 Aug. 2014, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123864567076061. Accessed 27 Oct. 2020.
- “Anatomical Imaging.” Preclinical Anatomical Imaging, www.mrsolutions.com/applications/preclinical-imaging/anatomical-imaging/. Accessed 27 Oct. 2020.