This invention is directed to methods for the facile and accurate identification of cancer cells in a tissue sample, such as a surgical field. In particular, the compositions and methods employ conjugates comprising pro-fluorescent fluorescein based moieties bound to folic or pteroic acid targeting moiety optionally through a linker. The pro-fluorescent fluorescein based moieties are non-fluorescent but capable of being rendered fluorescent by intracellular processes. The conjugates are employed to detect cancer cells that overexpress folic acid receptors thereby providing for differential accumulation of these conjugates in these cells.
本发明涉及在组织样本(如手术野)中方便、准确地识别癌细胞的方法。特别是,本发明的组合物和方法采用的共轭物包括亲荧光
荧光素分子和叶酸或
蝶酸靶向分子(可选择通过连接体)。原
荧光素基分子是非荧光的,但能通过细胞内过程产生荧光。这些共轭物可用于检测叶酸受体过度表达的癌细胞,从而使这些共轭物在这些细胞中不同程度地积累。