Diffusion Reflection: A Novel Method for Detection of Oral Cancer

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Oral cancer recurrence is a significant clinical challenge.
• Intraoperative detection of residual disease is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• Current methods for residual disease detection have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the sensitivity of diffusion reflection (DR) measurements using bioconjugated gold nanorods (GNRs) for detecting oral squamous cell carcinoma.
• To assess the potential of DR scanning as an intraoperative tool for identifying residual oral cancer.

Main Methods:

• Oral squamous cell carcinoma was induced in a rat model using 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide (4NQO).
• Hyperspectral spectroscopy and DR measurements of GNRs were applied to excised tongue tissues.
• Detection results were compared with histopathological findings.

Main Results:

• GNRs selectively attached to cancerous sites with high specificity (97%) and sensitivity (87%).
• DR scanning detected invasive cancer with >80% intensity increase and carcinoma in situ (CIS) with >30% increase.
• Intensity differences between invasive cancer and CIS were statistically significant (p < .003).

Conclusions:

• Direct DR scanning using bioconjugated GNRs is a sensitive and specific method for detecting oral cancer.
• This technique shows great potential as a simple, novel tool for intraoperative residual disease detection.
• Successful intraoperative detection can aid in reducing oral cancer recurrence rates.