Enhanced tumor targeting and penetration of fluorophores via iRGD peptide conjugation: a strategy for the precision targeting of lung cancer.

The iRGD fluorescent tracer selectively accumulates in NSCLC tissues by specifically targeting αvβ3 receptors, which are overexpressed on the surface of tumor cells. This targeted approach facilitates the real-time intraoperative localization of NSCLC, presenting an improved strategy for intraoperative tumor identification with significant potential for clinical application.