Application of infrared spectroscopy for the identification of squamous cell carcinoma (lung cancer). Preliminary study

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to compare the spectra of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with normal pulmonary tissue (collected from the area outside of the cancer infiltration) and control samples (normal tissue collected from a patient without lung cancer) using FTIR spectroscopy. Material and methodsTumor tissue fragments obtained from 10 patients (males/females 7/3, G1-two pts, G2-five pts, G3-three pts) with diagnosed SCC, according to WHO 2015 classification were analyzed. FTIR spectroscopy spectrum (range of 1100–3500 cm−1) was obtained and analyzed using the Bruker Vertex 70 spectrometer. Statistical principal component analysis (PCA) was used for analysis of the obtained spectra. ResultsThe analysis of the obtained FTIR spectra revealed the existence of characteristic differences in cancer tissue compared to normal and control tissue. Comparison of individual spectra showed changes in the intensity of the absorbance and transfer of major absorption bands present in all of the tested range, suggesting a potential difference in metabolism in the analyzed SCC samples. The numerous waveform shifts in the range of proteins observed in these spectra, probably are the result of changes in their conformation and composition. The PCA analysis performed in the protein region did not show significant differences between normal lung tissue in patients with SCC and control group. Analysis of tumor tissue spectrum has confirmed its significant difference compared to the spectrum of tissue without tumor. ConclusionsAnalysis of changes in spectra in SCC well differentiates tumor tissue from normal, so FTIR spectroscopy can be helpful in SCC histopathological diagnosis and in the determination of microscopic radical tumor resection. Further studies in larger patient groups will determine the suitability of this method in routine SCC histopathological diagnostics.