7126 Light-induced autofluorescence spectroscopy for the diagnosis of esophageal cancer.

Abstract

Introduction: Autofluorescence spectroscopy using violet-blue excitation light is being investigated for in-vivo diagnosis of esophageal cancer during routine-endoscopy. Methods: Fluorescence spectra were collected from squamous cell cancer (N = 7 patients) and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus (N = 3 patients) and compared with collected spectra of the corresponding healthy esophageal mucosa. Following the spectrographic measurements biopsies were taken to get a definitive classification of histopathological status. A special light source capable of delivering either white or violet-blue light was used for the excitation of tissue autofluorescence via the endoscope. Endogenous fluorescence spectra emitted by the tissue were collected with a fiberoptic probe and analyzed with a spectrograph. Results: Over 100 spectra of cancerous and benign esophageal mucosa were evaluated. As compared with normal mucosa esophageal squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus were associated with special changes in the emitted fluorescence spectra. Discussion: Fluorescence spectroscopy with a slightly modified conventional light source might be useful for the endoscopic in-vivo detection of esophageal cancer. Further series trials need to be done to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of this new method. Introduction: Autofluorescence spectroscopy using violet-blue excitation light is being investigated for in-vivo diagnosis of esophageal cancer during routine-endoscopy. Methods: Fluorescence spectra were collected from squamous cell cancer (N = 7 patients) and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus (N = 3 patients) and compared with collected spectra of the corresponding healthy esophageal mucosa. Following the spectrographic measurements biopsies were taken to get a definitive classification of histopathological status. A special light source capable of delivering either white or violet-blue light was used for the excitation of tissue autofluorescence via the endoscope. Endogenous fluorescence spectra emitted by the tissue were collected with a fiberoptic probe and analyzed with a spectrograph. Results: Over 100 spectra of cancerous and benign esophageal mucosa were evaluated. As compared with normal mucosa esophageal squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus were associated with special changes in the emitted fluorescence spectra. Discussion: Fluorescence spectroscopy with a slightly modified conventional light source might be useful for the endoscopic in-vivo detection of esophageal cancer. Further series trials need to be done to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of this new method.