Analysis of human cancer prostate tissues using FTIR microspectroscopy and SRIXE techniques

Abstract

It is known that Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of human tissues are specific and can be used to discriminate between various disease states. In this study, cancer and healthy parts of prostate tissues were examined. The human prostate tissues were obtained during surgical operation. Sections of samples were mounted onto Mylar foils and measured by both FTIR microspectroscopy and synchrotron radiation induced X-ray emission (SRIXE) methods. Neighboring sections of tissues analyzed by FTIR and SRIXE were also examined by a histopathologist. Since the SRIXE technique is suitable for trace element analysis the two-dimensional scans on both cancerous and non-cancerous parts of the prostate tissues were done in order to find elemental distribution of trace elements. The single point analysis on selected areas were also performed. Then the same samples were studied in the mid infrared region on Excalibur spectrometer with infrared microscope UMA-500 equipped with an automatic xy-stage and video camera. Both FTIR spectra and elemental distribution show differences between cancerous and non-cancerous parts of the analyzed tissues.