Aggressiveness evaluation of borderline serous ovarian tumors by analysis of Psammoma bodies present in cancer tissues using micro-FTIR spectroscopy

Monica Orsini ¹, Francesco Porcelli ², Antonella Bianchi ³

⁰Department of Industrial, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, Roma Tre University, Via Vito Volterra 62, 00146 Rome, Italy.

Spectrochimica Acta. Part a, Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy +

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November 3, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Micro-FTIR spectroscopy of psammoma bodies in ovarian tumors reveals distinct chemical compositions. This technique can differentiate borderline ovarian tumors, aiding in risk stratification and patient management.

Area Of Science

Gynecologic Oncology
Biomedical Spectroscopy
Materials Science

Background

Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) present diagnostic challenges due to overlapping features with benign and malignant epithelial ovarian tumors.
Accurate characterization of BOT subtypes is crucial for managing patients and understanding potential unfavorable evolution.
Psammoma bodies (PBs), microcalcifications found in serous ovarian tumors, may correlate with disease progression.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate the chemical composition of PBs in borderline, high-grade, and low-grade ovarian tumors using micro-FTIR spectroscopy.
To determine if FTIR analysis can differentiate BOT subtypes based on PB chemical content.
To assess the potential of FTIR as a tool for identifying high-risk BOTs.

Main Methods

Micro-Fourier-transform infrared (micro-FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to analyze the chemical composition of PBs.
Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to spectral data for pattern recognition.
FTIR results were correlated with histopathological classification and molecular analysis (BRAFV600E).

Main Results

PBs from one borderline tumor (3-bl) exhibited distinct chemical content compared to high- and low-grade ovarian tumors.
PBs from other borderline tumors (1-bl, 2-bl) showed similar chemical content to high- and low-grade tumors.
Discriminating wavenumbers related to carbonate (CO<sub>3</sub><sup>2-</sup>) and phosphate (PO<sub>4</sub><sup>3-</sup>) were identified, with a higher carbonate ratio in 3-bl PBs.

Conclusions

Micro-FTIR spectroscopy can differentiate borderline ovarian tumors based on the chemical composition of psammoma bodies.
The FTIR technique shows promise as a reliable tool for identifying low- and high-risk borderline ovarian tumors.
Distinct PB chemical profiles may correlate with tumor aggressiveness and aid in patient management strategies.

Keywords:

Borderline ovarian tumor Carbonate content High-risk tumor Psammoma bodies micro-FTIR spectroscopy