Imaging For Early Cancer Detection Research Articles

Advancements in liquid biopsy and radiology techniques for early cancer detection

Aim: This review explores advancements in liquid biopsy techniques and radiological imaging for early cancer detection, highlighting their potential to improve diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Methods: We analyzed various liquid biopsy technologies, focusing on circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and exosomes, along with radiological imaging techniques such as PET scans and MRI. Key methodologies include size-based enrichment, immunoaffinity-based isolation, microfluidic technologies, and advanced imaging modalities, as well as their clinical applications and limitations. Results: Liquid biopsies offer non-invasive alternatives to traditional tissue biopsies, facilitating real-time monitoring of tumor dynamics. Techniques such as droplet digital PCR and advanced microfluidic devices have enhanced the sensitivity and specificity of biomarker detection. Radiological imaging provides complementary insights into tumor location, size, and metabolic activity, enhancing the overall diagnostic accuracy. While methods like CellSearch® for CTC counting are FDA-approved, ongoing research aims to refine isolation techniques, validate biomarkers' clinical relevance, and integrate imaging findings through large-scale trials. Conclusion: The integration of liquid biopsies and radiological imaging into routine clinical practice holds promise for personalized cancer management, enabling early detection and improved treatment responses. Continued development of these technologies is crucial for enhancing patient outcomes.

Challenges of Imaging for Cancer in Patients with Diabetes and Obesity

A growing body of evidence supports a connection among diabetes (predominantly type 2), obesity, and cancer. Multiple meta-analyses of epidemiological data show that people with diabetes are at increased risk of developing a variety of different cancers and suffer from an increased rate of perioperative complications and cancer mortality. Computed tomography (CT) has played an important role in diagnosis and staging of cancer. Positron emission tomography is complementary to CT in the diagnosis, staging, and evaluation of treatment response for many types of cancer. Because of generally poor clinical outcome of cancers when they are detected in late stages, more research is now focused on stratifying risk to allow personalized screening of at-risk patients and cancer detection at an earlier stage. In this review, we summarize basic noninvasive imaging techniques currently in use to detect cancer with emphasis on the challenges of imaging for early cancer detection in obese patients with diabetes.

Foreword: Potential of Optical Imaging for Early Cancer Detection, Screening, Diagnosis and Image Guided Treatment

This issue of the journal is dedicated to outline emerging optical technologies that have the potential to improve early cancer detection, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The authors have briefly reviewed the progress of emerging technologies, described some of the emerging optical systems or methods in their laboratories, and then discuss the barriers for their translation to clinical applications. The scope of the manuscripts includes both endogenous and exogenous contrast agents, including molecular probes. The first four papers address early cancer detection, the remaining four papers address cancer diagnosis or image guided therapy, including either molecular or multi-modality imaging methods.

Real‐time endoscopic fluorescence imaging for early cancer detection in the gastrointestinal tract

The utility of autofluorescence imaging for early lung cancer detection has been previously demonstrated. The aim of this work is to extend the use of real-time autofluorescence imaging to the early cancer detection in the esophagus, stomach, and colon. A prototype fluorescence imaging system for the gastrointestinal (GI) tract was developed which produces real-time video images of tissue autofluorescence. It consists of a filtered mercury arc lamp light source, two intensified charge coupled device (ICCD) cameras, a fiber optic endoscope, and a computer-based control console. The system is capable of working with three different imaging modalities: (1) conventional white light imaging mode; (2) light induced fluorescence (LIF) imaging mode based on the fluorescence imaging of two wavelength bands (green and red); and (3) light induced fluorescence and reflectance (LIFR) imaging mode based on the combination of a green band fluorescence image and a red–near-IR reflectance image. The imaging wavelength bands were selected based on in vivo fluorescence spectroscopic studies. The fluorescence images (both LIF image and LIFR image) clearly delineate the abnormal tissue areas for biopsy. Early cancer sites are better visualized under fluorescence imaging than under conventional white light examination. Initial clinical tests demonstrated the usefulness of the imaging prototype system for early cancer detection in the GI tract.

Real-time endoscopic fluorescence imaging for early cancer detection in the gastrointestinal tract

The utility of autofluorescence imaging for early lung cancer detection has been previously demonstrated. The aim of this work is to extend the use of real-time autofluorescence imaging to the early cancer detection in the esophagus, stomach, and colon. A prototype fluorescence imaging system for the gastrointestinal (GI) tract was developed which produces real-time video images of tissue autofluorescence. It consists of a filtered mercury arc lamp light source, two intensified charge coupled device (ICCD) cameras, a fiber optic endoscope, and a computer-based control console. The system is capable of working with three different imaging modalities: (1) conventional white light imaging mode; (2) light induced fluorescence (LIF) imaging mode based on the fluorescence imaging of two wavelength bands (green and red); and (3) light induced fluorescence and reflectance (LIFR) imaging mode based on the combination of a green band fluorescence image and a red–near-IR reflectance image. The imaging wavelength bands were selected based on in vivo fluorescence spectroscopic studies. The fluorescence images (both LIF image and LIFR image) clearly delineate the abnormal tissue areas for biopsy. Early cancer sites are better visualized under fluorescence imaging than under conventional white light examination. Initial clinical tests demonstrated the usefulness of the imaging prototype system for early cancer detection in the GI tract.