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Updated: Aug 2, 2025
Real-Time, Two-Color Stimulated Raman Scattering Imaging of Mouse Brain for Tissue Diagnosis
Published on: February 1, 2022
Live Stimulated Raman Histology for the Near-Instant Assessment of Central Nervous System Samples
Romain Appay1,2,3, Barbara Sarri3,4, Sandro Heuke3
1Assistance Publique des Hopitaux de Marseille (APHM), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Timone, Anatomy and Pathological Anatomy and Neuropathology Departement, 13385 Marseille, France.
Abstract:
Central nervous system tumors encompass many heterogeneous neoplasms with different outcomes and treatment strategies. The current classification of these tumors is based on molecular parameters in addition to histopathology to define tumor entities. This genomic characterization of tumors is also becoming increasingly essential for physicians to identify targeted therapy options. The deployment of such genomic profiling relies on an efficient surgical sampling. To perform an appropriate tumor resection and a correct sampling of the tumor, the neurosurgeon may request an intraoperative pathological consultation. Stimulated Raman histology (SRH), an emerging nondestructive imaging technology, can address this challenge. SRH allows for a rapid and label-free microscopic examination of unprocessed tissues samples in near-perfect concordance with standard histology. In this study we showed that SRH enabled the near-instant microscopic examination of various central nervous system samples without any tissue processing such as labeling, freezing nor sectioning. Since SRH imaging is a nondestructive approach, we demonstrated that the tissue could be readily recovered after SRH imaging and reintroduced into the conventional pathology workflow including immunohistochemistry and genomic profiling to establish a definitive diagnosis.
Insights
Stimulated Raman histology (SRH) offers rapid, label-free microscopic examination of central nervous system tumor samples. This nondestructive imaging allows for subsequent genomic profiling and definitive diagnosis, improving surgical sampling efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Neuropathology
- Medical Technology
- Oncology
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are diverse, requiring accurate classification for effective treatment.
- Genomic characterization is crucial for identifying targeted therapies in CNS oncology.
- Efficient surgical sampling is vital for accurate tumor diagnosis and molecular profiling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Stimulated Raman histology (SRH) as a rapid, label-free method for intraoperative pathological consultation of CNS tumors.
- To assess the compatibility of SRH with subsequent conventional histopathology and genomic analyses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Stimulated Raman histology (SRH) for near-instant, label-free microscopic examination of unprocessed CNS tissue samples.
- Compared SRH imaging with standard histopathology.
- Investigated the feasibility of recovering tissue after SRH for further analysis.
Main Results:
- SRH provided rapid, label-free microscopic examination of various CNS samples without tissue processing.
- SRH demonstrated near-perfect concordance with standard histology.
- Tissues examined with SRH were successfully recovered for subsequent immunohistochemistry and genomic profiling.
Conclusions:
- Stimulated Raman histology (SRH) is a promising technology for intraoperative assessment of CNS tumors.
- SRH facilitates efficient surgical sampling and enables downstream molecular diagnostics.
- This nondestructive imaging approach integrates seamlessly into the conventional pathology workflow, aiding definitive diagnosis.
