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Proof-of-Concept Study: Hyperspectral Imaging for Quantification of DKK-3 Expression in Oropharyngeal Carcinoma

  • 0Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology, and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Muellerstrasse 44, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
Bioengineering (basel, Switzerland) +

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September 27, 2025

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September 27, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Visible and near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (VIS-NIR-HSI) shows promise for quantifying Dickkopf-3 (DKK-3) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This technique offers a potential for more objective analysis, especially for weak DKK-3 staining in OSCC.

Area Of Science

  • Pathology
  • Biomedical Imaging
  • Oncology

Background

  • Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent global malignancy.
  • Accurate quantification of immunohistochemical markers, such as Dickkopf-3 (DKK-3), is crucial for OSCC diagnosis and prognosis.
  • Conventional methods for staining assessment may lack objectivity and precision.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the efficacy of visible and near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (VIS-NIR-HSI) for quantifying DKK-3 expression in OSCC.
  • To compare HSI with traditional visual assessment and digital image analysis.
  • To determine the potential of HSI as an objective tool in digital pathology workflows for OSCC.

Main Methods

  • Retrospective analysis of tissue microarrays (TMAs) from 50 OSCC patients.
  • Evaluation of DKK-3 stained TMAs using visual assessment, digital image analysis (QuPath), and VIS-NIR-HSI (TIVITA).
  • Quantification using Allred and H-scores, with comparison across all imaging modalities.

Main Results

  • Visual and digital image analyses showed significant correlation for both H-score (p<sup>Spearman</sup> < 0.001) and Allred score (kappa = 0.67).
  • No significant differences were found in H-score quantification between visual, digital, and HSI methods (pWilcoxon > 0.1).
  • HSI demonstrated a fair to moderate correlation with conventional methods, suggesting potential for objective quantification, particularly in weak staining cases.

Conclusions

  • VIS-NIR-HSI is a promising complementary tool for digital pathology, offering potential for objective DKK-3 quantification in OSCC.
  • This proof-of-concept study highlights HSI's utility, especially for weak DKK-3 expression.
  • Further validation with larger cohorts and standardized workflows is necessary for clinical application.

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