real time observation of tumor-host interaction during ovarian cancer cytoreductive surgery using intravital microsocopy

Objective: Intravital microscopy (IVM) is a dynamic imaging modality that allows for real-time observation of tumor vasculature and immune cell trafficking. A recent clinical trial in melanoma patients was the first application of high-magnification, real-time IVM to patients at the time of surgery. To date there are no reports of IVM in deep-seated tumors including ovarian cancer. We tested the feasibility of using IVM during ovarian cancer cytoreductive surgery in order to characterize tumor vasculature and expand the ability of IVM from subcutaneous sites to the peritoneal cavity.