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Updated: Aug 22, 2026
Multi-photon Imaging of Tumor Cell Invasion in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: July 25, 2011
In vivo multiphoton fluorescence imaging: a novel approach to oral malignancy
Petra Wilder-Smith1, Kathryn Osann, Nevine Hanna
1Beckman Laser Institute, University of California, Irvine, California 92612, USA. pwsmith@bli.uci.edu
Background And Objective:
Current techniques for oral diagnosis require surgical biopsy of lesions, and may fail to detect early malignant change. Non-invasive, sensitive tools providing early detection of oral cancer and a better understanding of malignant change are needed. These studies evaluated in vivo multiphoton excited fluorescence (MPM) techniques to (1) map epithelial and subepithelial changes through out oral carcinogenesis and (2) serve as an effective diagnostic modality.
Study Design/Materials And Methods:
In the hamster model (n = 70), epithelial and subepithelial change was imaged in vivo throughout carcinogenesis. MPM- and histopathology-based diagnoses on a scale of 0 (healthy)-6 (squamous cell carcinoma [s.c.c.]) were scored by two pre-standardized investigators.
Results:
Collagen matrix and fibers, cellular infiltrates, blood vessels, and microtumors were clearly visible. MPM agreed with the histopathology for 88.6% of diagnoses.
Conclusions:
In vivo MPM images provide (1) high resolution information on specific components of the carcinogenesis process (2) an excellent basis for oral diagnostics.
