Intraoperative Multi-Sensor Tissue Differentiation in (Uro-)Oncology - A Short Review

Precise differentiation of pathological tissue during surgery is crucial in oncology. The current gold standard, histopathological analysis, involves delays due to tissue processing, impacting real-time decision-making. Furthermore, it does not always give information about the extent and heterogeneity of the tumorous tissue. This paper examines our research efforts in developing novel multimodal sensors tailored for uro-oncology. These sensors measure optical, electrical, and mechanical tissue properties, aiming to provide comprehensive tissue differentiation during surgery. Along with this, a review of recent advances in the field of intraoperative tissue differentiation is given. Altered physical properties in tumorous tissues are discussed and the suitability of various sensor modalities for detecting these changes is investigated, especially infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and electrical and mechanical measurements. A digital frameworks for spatial localization of measurements within the organ is is crucial for integrating sensor data to achieve comprehensive tissue characterization. Our focus lies in presenting these innovative sensor technologies and their potential to transform intraoperative tissue assessment. By providing real-time information, these sensors could significantly enhance diagnostic precision in urological oncology, potentially improving patient outcomes.Clinical relevance- Supporting real-time decision making during urological surgeries.