Revealing the Microscopic Structure of Human Renal Cell Carcinoma in Three Dimensions

For fully characterizing renal cell carcinoma (RCC), information about the 3D tissue microstructure is essential. Histopathology, which represents the current diagnostic gold standard, is destructive and only provides 2D information. 3D X-ray histology endeavors to overcome these limitations by generating 3D data. In a laboratory environment, most techniques struggle with limited resolution and the weak X-ray attenuation contrast of soft tissue. We recently developed a laboratory-based method combining nanoscopic X-ray CT with a cytoplasm-specific X-ray stain. Here, we present the application of this method to human RCC biopsies. The NanoCT slices enable pathological characterization of crucial structures by reproducing tissue morphology with a similar detail level as corresponding histological light microscopy images. Beyond that, our data offer deeper insights into the 3D configuration of the tumor. By demonstrating the compatibility of the X-ray stain with standard pathological stains, we highlight the feasibility of integrating staining based NanoCT into the pathological routine.