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A Raman topography imaging method toward assisting surgical tumor resection.
Alexander Czaja1,2, Alice J Jiang1,2, Matt Zacchary Blanco1,2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Npj Imaging
|March 7, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a new method using SERS nanoparticles and Raman topography imaging to confirm complete tumor removal during surgery, improving patient outcomes and reducing repeat surgeries.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Complete tumor resection is crucial for patient outcomes and treatment efficacy.
- Intraoperative confirmation of complete resection is challenging with current methods like touch preparation.
- Fatty tissues, such as breast cancer lumpectomies, pose processing difficulties for rapid histology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel workflow for intraoperative assessment of complete tumor resection.
- To utilize surface-enhanced Raman scattering nanoparticles (SERS NPs) for sensitive and multiplexed detection of residual cancer cells.
- To implement topographic surface imaging for comprehensive analysis of excised tissue margins.
Main Methods:
- A workflow combining immunostaining and topographic surface imaging of freshly excised tissue was developed.
- Highly sensitive and spectrally separable SERS NPs were used as targeted contrast agents.
- An advanced Raman instrument with adaptive focus and a custom rotational accessory enabled whole-surface topographic mapping.
Main Results:
- The topographic imaging strategy successfully mapped specimen surfaces, revealing texture, orientation, and navigability.
- Extensive SERS NP multiplexing and linear quantitation capabilities were demonstrated, with a linear correlation (R2=0.97) between NP concentration and Raman signal.
- All 26 distinct SERS NP types were recognized, with effective deconvolution and localization of mixtures.
Conclusions:
- The novel Raman topography imaging method provides content-rich, interactive surgical margin assessment.
- This approach offers a path towards ensuring complete tumor resection, improving surgical outcomes.
- The combination of SERS NPs and topographic imaging presents a promising tool for intraoperative surgical margin assessment.
