In the world of surgical oncology, precision is everything. The ability to distinguish tumor tissue from healthy tissue during surgery can mean the difference between complete removal and recurrence. Yet, many imaging agents that show promise in the lab fail to translate to the operating room. That’s the problem Assistant Professor Indrajit Srivastava at Texas Tech University set out to solve—with a deceptively simple yet revolutionary idea: build better tumors.
Srivastava and his team have developed 3D-printed tumor “phantoms” that mimic the optical and physical properties of real human tumors. These aren’t just anatomical models—they’re biologically and chemically engineered to behave like tumors under near-infrared imaging. Constructed from a blend of gelatin, lipids, hemoglobin, enzymes, and even live tumor cells, the phantoms are designed to simulate how light interacts with human tissue. The result is a testbed that allows researchers to evaluate imaging agents in a realistic, reproducible, and cost-effective way—without relying on animal models.
The motivation behind this innovation stems from a critical gap in translational research. Mouse models, while common in preclinical studies, fall short when it comes to mimicking the complexity of human tissue. Mice have thin skin and lack the layers of fat, muscle, and connective tissue that affect how imaging agents behave in humans. This discrepancy often leads to false positives in early trials and costly setbacks when agents fail in clinical settings. Srivastava’s phantoms offer a compelling alternative: a customizable, human-like environment that can be used repeatedly to generate statistically significant data.
These phantoms are particularly valuable for testing afterglow imaging—a technique that uses nanoparticles to emit light long after the initial excitation source is removed. Unlike traditional fluorescence-guided surgery, which requires real-time illumination, afterglow imaging allows surgeons more time to locate and remove tumors with greater accuracy. Srivastava’s models are tailored to evaluate how these nanoparticles perform in tissue-like environments, including how deeply the light penetrates and how long it persists. Early results suggest that afterglow imaging could outperform current methods, but only if tested in models that truly reflect human biology.
The project, led by doctoral student Asma Harun and supported by a multidisciplinary team of undergraduates and collaborators, has already gained traction. The team’s paper, submitted to ACS Nano, received enthusiastic feedback from reviewers, and Srivastava has since fielded collaboration requests from Rice University and the University of Texas at San Antonio. The excitement is palpable—not just because the models work, but because they could accelerate the path from lab bench to surgical suite.
Looking ahead, the team is working to improve the longevity of the live tumor cells embedded in the phantoms. Currently, these cells begin to die after a few days, limiting the window for imaging studies. The goal is to create a living phantom that remains viable for weeks, allowing researchers to simulate tumor progression and treatment response over time. They’re also exploring alternatives to gelatin that can better withstand temperature fluctuations during shipping, making the models more practical for widespread use.
