Quantitative spectral reflectance imaging device for intraoperative breast tumor margin assessment

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Imaging
• Cancer Diagnostics

Background:

• Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) enables tissue analysis for cancer detection.
• Accurate decoupling of absorption and scattering properties is crucial for DRS.
• Intraoperative detection of residual breast cancer can prevent repeat surgeries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an optical imaging device for intraoperative detection of residual breast cancer.
• To quantify tissue optical properties for improved cancer margin assessment.
• To assess the potential of the technology to reduce unnecessary repeat surgeries.

Main Methods:

• Development of an optical imaging device using a model-based algorithm for tissue optical property quantification.
• Application of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in the UV-VIS spectrum.
• Utilizing an inverse Monte Carlo model for spectral image conversion.
• Employing a decision-tree classification algorithm on optical parameters.

Main Results:

• The device surveys specimen surfaces to a depth of 1-2 mm intraoperatively.
• Sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 67% for detecting all residual tumor types.
• High sensitivity of 89% for detecting ductal carcinoma in situ.
• Preliminary data suggests significant reduction in repeat breast conserving surgeries.

Conclusions:

• The developed optical imaging technology shows potential for accurate intraoperative residual breast cancer detection.
• Quantitative tissue optical property mapping aids in margin assessment.
• This technology may significantly decrease the need for repeat breast surgeries.