The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods of killing cells. In particular examples, the method includes contacting a cell having a cell surface protein with a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody-IR700 molecule, wherein the antibody specifically binds to the cell surface protein, such as a tumor-specific antigen on the surface of a tumor cell. The cell is subsequently irradiated, such as at a wavelength of 660 to 740 nm at a dose of at least 1 J cm.sup.−2. The cell is also contacted with one or more therapeutic agents (such as an anti-cancer agent), for example about 0 to 8 hours after irradiating the cell, thereby killing the cell. Also provided are methods of imaging cell killing in real time, using fluorescence lifetime imaging. Also provided are wearable devices that include an article of clothing, jewelry, or covering; and an NIR LED incorporated into the article, which can be used with the disclosed methods.

The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to devices, systems and methods for intra-operative imaging.

The present invention provides new polypeptide derivatives binding to Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) and their conjugates thereof, and to their use as a diagnostic agent, particularly for early detection, patient stratification and treatment monitoring of forms of cancer characterized by over-expression of HER2.

The present disclosure relates to compounds that are useful as near-infrared fluorescence probes, wherein the compounds include i) a ligand that binds to the active site of carbonic anhydrase, ii) a dye molecule, and iii) a linker molecule that comprises an amino acid, amide, ureido, or polyethylene glycol derivative thereof. The disclosure further describes methods and compositions for making and using the compounds, methods incorporating the compounds, and kits incorporating the compounds.

Compounds used as labels with properties comparable to known fluorescent compounds. The compounds are conjugated to proteins and nucleic acids for biological imaging and analysis. Synthesis of the compounds, formation and use of the conjugated compounds, and specific non-limiting examples of each are provided.

Disclosed herein is a selective delivery molecule comprising: (a) an acidic sequence (portion A) which is effective to inhibit or prevent the uptake into cells or tissue retention, (b) a molecular transport or tissue retention sequence (portion B), and (c) a linker between portion A and portion B, and (d) cargo moieties (portion D.sub.A and D.sub.B).

Compounds useful as contrast agents in image-guided surgery are provided. The compounds comprise a latent cationic lysosomotropic fragment that is detectable upon cleavage by lysosomal proteases within treated tissues, particularly within tumors and other diseased tissues. Also provided are compositions comprising the compounds and methods for using the compounds, for example in dynamically monitoring protease activity in vivo during image-guided tumor resection surgery.

The present invention pertains to a ligand that contains a plurality of groups represented by formula (1) and is capable of multivalently binding to a glutamine transporter expressed in excess in a cancer cell compared to a normal cell.

Conformationally restricted cyanine fluorophores, as well as methods of making and using the compounds, are described. The conformationally restricted cyanine fluorophores have a chemical structure according to Formula I, or a stereoisomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: ##STR00001##
wherein A is ##STR00002##
and wherein each “*” designates an attachment point of A.

The tumor stroma, which accounts for a large part of the tumor mass, represents an attractive target for the delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic compounds. Here, the focus is notably on a subpopulation of stromal cells, known as cancer-associated fibroblasts, which are present in more than 90% of epithelial carcinomas, including pancreatic, colon, and breast cancer. Cancer-associated fibroblasts feature high expression of FAP, which is not detectable in adult normal tissue but is associated with a poor prognosis in cancer patients. The present invention provides small-molecule radiopharmaceutical and imaging agents based on a FAP-specific inhibitor.