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Wide-field and non-invasive imaging of brain tumours with scattered light techniques
Philip Binner1, Jack Radford1, Ilya Starshynov1
1Advanced Research Centre, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
The ability to identify tumour tissue in a label-free, contactless, and real-time manner is much needed in tumour resection surgery. Current techniques cause interruptions to surgical flow and have high false positive rates, which can cause collateral damage to healthy brain tissue. We propose laser light scattering techniques, such as diffuse correlation spectroscopy and laser speckle contrast imaging, to image mechanical stiffness differences in the brain's surface associated with tumour tissue. We validate the optimal processing technique quantitatively with a controlled experiment in which paraformaldehyde was used to induce a change in tissue stiffness in ex vivo mouse brains. We then demonstrate that the technique applies to tumour localisation using ex vivo mouse models with real tumours. Qualitative comparisons with magnetic resonance imaging indicate accurate tumour localisation using only surface stiffness changes to underlying tumours. We also demonstrate sub-millimetre precision when imaging brain slices.
Insights
This study introduces laser light scattering to detect tumour tissue by measuring mechanical stiffness differences in real-time during surgery. This non-invasive technique offers accurate tumour localisation and reduces damage to healthy brain tissue.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical optics
- Surgical technology
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Accurate tumour identification during surgery is crucial to minimize damage to healthy tissue.
- Current methods for intraoperative tumour detection are often invasive, slow, or have high false positive rates.
- Label-free, real-time imaging techniques are needed to improve surgical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate laser light scattering techniques for label-free, real-time imaging of mechanical tissue stiffness.
- To assess the feasibility of using surface stiffness variations for tumour localisation in brain surgery.
- To compare the accuracy of this technique with existing imaging modalities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized diffuse correlation spectroscopy and laser speckle contrast imaging to probe mechanical stiffness.
- Validated the technique using ex vivo mouse brains with paraformaldehyde-induced stiffness changes.
- Applied the method to ex vivo mouse models with induced tumours for localisation studies.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated quantitative validation of the technique by accurately detecting induced stiffness changes in mouse brains.
- Successfully localised tumours in ex vivo models by imaging surface mechanical stiffness.
- Achieved sub-millimetre precision in imaging brain slices, showing potential for detailed analysis.
Conclusions:
- Laser light scattering techniques can effectively image mechanical stiffness differences associated with brain tumours.
- This non-invasive approach shows promise for accurate, real-time tumour identification during surgery.
- The technique offers a potential improvement over current methods, reducing collateral damage and improving surgical efficiency.
