Detection of lung cancer tissue by attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy—a pilot study of 60 samples

Abstract

BackgroundAttenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy could serve as a diagnostic tool for detecting and discriminating different diseases. The aim of this preliminary study was to distinguish malignant and nonmalignant lung tissues with ATR–FTIR spectroscopy. MethodsSixty lung tissue samples were obtained from 30 patients who underwent pulmonary lobectomy. Samples were examined with ATR–FTIR spectroscopy before histologic diagnosis. Peak positions, intensities, and full width at half maximum of each absorbent band were measured, and the relative intensity ratios were calculated. Canonical discriminant analysis was performed to discriminate malignant and nonmalignant groups. ResultsTwenty-two parameters were significantly different between malignant and nonmalignant groups. Peak intensity at 1546/cm, intensity ratio at 1120/cm, and full width at half maximum at 1303 and 1240/cm were selected as independent factors to form discriminant functions. The sensitivity and specificity of the discriminants were all 96.7%. ConclusionsATR–FTIR spectroscopy is a promising method for the detection of malignant lung tissue and could be proved useful in lung tumor surgery.