A new method using Raman spectroscopy for in vivo targeted brain cancer tissue biopsy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Molecular Spectroscopy
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Accurate tumor sampling is crucial for cancer diagnosis, but current needle biopsy techniques face limitations due to targeting errors and tumor heterogeneity.
• These limitations can lead to non-diagnostic samples, repeated procedures, and increased patient risk.
• An optical method for in situ molecular analysis could enhance biopsy precision and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, develop, and validate a label-free, in situ cancer detection system using high wavenumber Raman spectroscopy.
• To integrate this optical system into a commercially available biopsy device without disrupting surgical workflow.
• To assess the system's accuracy in detecting dense human cancer during surgery.

Main Methods:

• Development of an intraoperative, label-free cancer detection system based on high wavenumber Raman spectroscopy.
• Engineering the optical device into a standard biopsy system for seamless integration into surgical procedures.
• Validation using a dual approach, including analysis of human tissue samples and a swine brain biopsy model.

Main Results:

• The high wavenumber Raman spectroscopy system successfully detected human dense cancer (with >60% cancer cells) in situ during surgery.
• The system achieved a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 90% for cancer detection.
• Demonstrated the system's feasibility in a preclinical swine brain biopsy model.

Conclusions:

• High wavenumber Raman spectroscopy offers a promising label-free optical approach for intraoperative, in situ cancer detection.
• This technology can significantly improve the accuracy of tumor targeting during biopsies, reducing sampling errors and patient risk.
• The developed system is ready for clinical translation to enhance the yield and safety of targeted cancer biopsies.