Raman-Enhanced Spectroscopy (RESpect) Probe for Childhood Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Raman-enhanced spectroscopy (RESpect) probe, which enhances Raman spectroscopy technology through a portable fiber-optic device, characterizes tissues and cells by identifying molecular chemical composition showing distinct differences/similarities for potential tumor markers or diagnosis. In a feasibility study with the ultimate objective to translate the technology to the clinic, a panel of pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma tissues and non-malignant specimens had RS analyses compared between standard Raman spectroscopy microscope instrument and RESpect probe. Cryopreserved tissues were mounted on front-coated aluminum mirror slides and analyzed by standard Raman spectroscopy and RESpect probe. Principal Component Analysis revealed similarities between non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes but not follicular hyperplasia. Standard Raman spectroscopy and RESpect probe fingerprint comparisons demonstrated comparable primary peaks. Raman spectroscopic fingerprints and peaks of pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes and follicular hyperplasia provided novel avenues to pursue diagnostic approaches and identify potential new therapeutic targets. The information could inform new insights into molecular cellular pathogenesis. Translating Raman spectroscopy technology by using the RESpect probe as a potential point-of-care screening instrument has the potential to change the paradigm of screening for cancer as an initial step to determine when a definitive tissue biopsy would be necessary.