Innovative fiber solutions for cancer diagnostics

The latest innovative fiber solutions to be reviewed for the advanced biomedical applications in 0.3- 16µm range, including multispectral diagnostics to define tumor margins in oncology ex-vivo and in- vivo, plus tumor detection with IR-fiber and Raman endoscopy.

Biological tissue is a complex substance which characterization demands combination of several spectroscopic techniques. Spectroscopy enables real-time label-free chemical and structural evaluation of tissues and bioliquids for medical diagnostics ex-vivo in real time or in-situ and in-vivo. Fiber-optic probes provide flexible, sterilizable, and compact solutions for simultaneously analyzing tissue samples with several spectroscopic modalities. Modern fiber spectroscopy seamlessly covers entire broad wavelength range from 0.3µm to 16µm by the set of various fiber types - drawn from Silica and IR-glasses, plus Polycrystalline PIR-fibers extruded from solid solutions of AgCl:AgBr crystals for good transmission in 3-16µm range.

Here we present our latest achievements in developing multispectral compact fiber-optic probes for biomedical applications – especially focused on detection of tumor margins ex-vivo and in-vivo. To enhance sensitivity and accuracy of this definition we decided to combine four key spectroscopic modalities (NIR, MIR, Raman, and Fluorescence) in one movable complex – to be used nearby operation room. This concept enables to compare and select the best method from 4 or to combine any of them for the fusion of complimentary spectroscopy data (when needed) – up to the design of innovative multispectral fiber combi probes to allow data collection from single spot-on tissue.

.In preliminary studies of clinical bio-samples, the combination of NIR diffuse reflection or MIR absorption spectroscopy with fluorescence spectroscopy gives synergy effect in differentiation of diseased (malignant) and normal tissues. In our Raman experiments, we evaluate primary signals together with fluorescence background, which helps enhance analysis accuracy. Combined with advanced chemometrics data analysis, this concept enables the development of customized spectral fiber sensors based only on several wavelengths, hence their simple design, small size, high speed, cost savings. It was revealed for use of High Wavenumber Raman and Fluorescence spectroscopy in detection of oral cancer (SCQ) that it´s possible to make rapid measurements directly in the operation theater by very using tiny (<200 µm OD) but robust single fiber disposable Raman needle probes. Our recent experiments have also shown the possibility to combine Mid-IR ATR absorption, Fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy in one compact fiber-optic probe. These advances turn fiber-optic multispectral probes into universal tools for any biomedical application requiring analysis of complex tissue.

Preliminary results on IR-imaging of tissue made with PIR-fiber catheters open the way to Mid IR- endoscopy – which will enable to detect cancer in hollow organs using its IR-emission.

Viacheslav Artyushenko was born in 1954, got his PhD in physics in 1981 – focused on his development of unique technology of Polycrystalline fibres for Mid IR-range: 3-18µm. His multiple papers & patents are devoted to specialty fibre optics and its applications for laser medicine and diagnostics, process-spectroscopy and fibre sensing. In 1998, he has founded art photonics GmbH in Berlin – one of worldwide leading manufacturers of various fibres, cables, bundles and spectroscopy probes used in broad spectral range 0.3-16µm for industrial, medical, scientific and other applications. Dr. Artyushenko & AP are members of EPIC, CPACT, SPIE, OPTICA, SPECTARIS, Optec-BB, GDCh-DECHEMA, etc.