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Our Technology: see how FerroTrace® works

FerroTrace® is a new super-paramagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticle (SPION) tracer designed to enable the radiation oncologist and surgeon to accurately map the lymphatic system with MRI, FerroMag a companion magnetometer, and laparoscopic/robotic cameras. Designed to be optionally used in combination with Indocyanine Green Dye (ICG), FerroTrace® assists in the identification of high-risk lymph nodes for precisely targeted radiotherapy and surgical excision.

Our technology leverages the benefits of nanotechnology to drive new standards in cancer care

At Ferronova, we believe that accurate identification of high-risk lymph nodes can help guide radiotherapy and surgery, and enable detailed pathological staging of complex cancers. Our products are designed to help guide radiotherapy and surgery as well as detect the early spread of cancer that would otherwise be missed by standard-of-care pathology analysis – supporting more accurate therapy and staging for solid tumours.

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When to use FerroTrace®?

Potential application before, during and after surgery

  • Radiologists – use MRI to identify and assess high-risk nodes
  • Surgeons – use MRI for pre-surgical planning prior to surgery or guiding laparoscopic nodal sampling during endoscopic procedures
  • Radiation Oncologists – use MRI to identify high-risk nodes for radiotherapy planning
  • Pathologists – use a magnetometer to identify high-risk nodes containing FerroTrace®

FerroTrace® takes the same path through the lymphatic system as metastasising cancer cells and is designed to be retained in the first draining lymph nodes − the high-risk lymph nodes. It is designed to enable highly accurate detection of affected lymph nodes.

FerroTrace® is an accurate and durable tracer with potential application before, during and after surgery.

Compared with currently available tracers, FerroTrace® is designed to be:

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Highly specific

FerroTrace® has been designed to have high specificity to high-risk lymph nodes due to macrophage binding between the CD206 receptor and the tracer’s mannose label.9,11

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Durable

FerroTrace® has extented retention in the nodes and therefore eliminates time-sensitive logistical issues associated with radiotracers. Upon delivery, FerroTrace® is visible within minutes with the potential for retention up to 6 months.

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Capable of performing MRI prior to neoadjuvant treatment

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy affects the sensitivity and accuracy of the identification of high-risk lymph nodes using conventional dye or radiotracer techniques12,13 during surgery, as radiation damages the lymphatic network. The extended retention of FerroTrace® enables an added capability of injecting FerroTrace® before neoadjuvant treatment, thereby providing better mapping of high-risk lymph nodes that guides radiation and surgical planning.

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Advantageous compared to conventional dyes and radiotracers

Compared with FerroTrace®, blue dyes are non-specific and flow rapidly through multiple levels of lymph nodes.9 Radiocolloid tracers require careful handling and have a narrow window of use. High concentration of radiocolloid tracers at the injection site may obscure lymph nodes signal when they are located closely to the primary tumor.9 In contrast, FerroTrace® is easy to use, radiation free with demonstrated efficacy as a lymphatic tracer.

Transforming cancer outcomes through precision surgery, imaging and therapy

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