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Characterization of Polarimetric Properties in Various Brain Tumor Types Using Wide-Field Imaging Mueller Polarimetry
Abstract:
Neuro-oncological surgery is the primary brain cancer treatment, yet it faces challenges with gliomas due to their invasiveness and the need to preserve neurological function. Hence, radical resection is often unfeasible, highlighting the importance of precise tumor margin delineation to prevent neurological deficits and improve prognosis. Imaging Mueller polarimetry, an effective modality in various organ tissues, seems a promising approach for tumor delineation in neurosurgery. To further assess its use, we characterized the polarimetric properties by analysing 45 polarimetric measurements of 27 fresh brain tumor samples, including different tumor types with a strong focus on gliomas. Our study integrates a wide-field imaging Mueller polarimetric system and a novel neuropathology protocol, correlating polarimetric and histological data for accurate tissue identification. An image processing pipeline facilitated the alignment and overlay of polarimetric images and histological masks. Variations in depolarization values were observed for grey and white matter of brain tumor tissue, while differences in linear retardance were seen only within white matter of brain tumor tissue. Notably, we identified pronounced optical axis azimuth randomization within tumor regions. This study lays the foundation for machine learning-based brain tumor segmentation algorithms using polarimetric data, facilitating intraoperative diagnosis and decision making.
Insights
Imaging Mueller polarimetry shows potential for precisely delineating brain tumors, aiding neurosurgeons. This technique analyzes tissue optical properties to improve tumor margin identification and patient outcomes in neuro-oncological surgery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Biomedical Optics
- Pathology
Background:
- Neuro-oncological surgery is crucial for brain cancer treatment, but challenges exist in precisely delineating invasive gliomas.
- Preserving neurological function is paramount, making radical resection often unfeasible.
- Accurate tumor margin delineation is vital for preventing deficits and improving prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utility of imaging Mueller polarimetry for brain tumor delineation in neurosurgery.
- To characterize the polarimetric properties of fresh brain tumor samples, focusing on gliomas.
- To correlate polarimetric data with histological findings for accurate tissue identification.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 45 polarimetric measurements from 27 fresh brain tumor samples using a wide-field imaging Mueller polarimetric system.
- Integration with a novel neuropathology protocol for correlating polarimetric and histological data.
- Development of an image processing pipeline for aligning and overlaying polarimetric images and histological masks.
Main Results:
- Observed variations in depolarization values between grey and white matter in brain tumor tissue.
- Identified differences in linear retardance specifically within the white matter of brain tumor tissue.
- Detected pronounced optical axis azimuth randomization within tumor regions.
Conclusions:
- Imaging Mueller polarimetry is a promising modality for brain tumor delineation.
- Polarimetric properties offer distinct signatures for different brain tissues and tumor regions.
- This study provides a foundation for machine learning-based tumor segmentation using polarimetric data for intraoperative decision-making.
