Abstract #0183

Mulder W, Strijkers G, de Mello Doneg C, Brandwijk R, Koole R, Castermans K, Griffioen A, Nicolay K, Chin P, Storm G

We developed quantum dots with a pegylated and paramagnetic coating (pQDs) to make them detectable by both MR and optical imaging. The pQDs were made specific for angiogenic blood vessels by conjugating them with multiple RGD-peptides. The specificity of this novel contrast agent was verified in vitro. Upon intravenous administration of RGD-pQDs in tumor bearing mice intravital microscopy and MRI was performed, which allowed the multimodality visualization of activated tumor endothelium.