Definition

An orally bioavailable fluorescent imaging agent composed of the near-infrared (NIR) fluorophore cyanine 5 (Cy5) linked to a seven-amino acid long peptide that specifically binds to the tumor-associated antigen (TAA) epithelial growth factor receptor (epidermal growth factor receptor; EGFR), that can potentially be used for the imaging of EGFR-expressing tumor cells. Upon oral administration of the fluorescent imaging agent QRH-882260 heptapeptide, the peptide moiety selectively binds to EGFR expressed on tumor cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Upon fluorescence imaging, EGFR-expressing tumor cells can be visualized. EGFR, a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor family, is overexpressed on the surfaces of various tumors cells.