Breast imaging technology: Probing physiology and molecular function using optical imaging - applications to breast cancer

Abstract

The present review addresses the capacity of optical imaging to resolve functional and molecular characteristics of breast cancer. We focus on recent developments in optical imaging that allow threedimensional reconstruction of optical signatures in the human breast using diffuse optical tomography (DOT). These technologic advances allow the noninvasive, in vivo imaging and quantification of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin and of contrast agents that target the physiologic and molecular functions of tumors. Hence, malignancy differentiation can be based on a novel set of functional features that are complementary to current radiologic imaging methods. These features could enhance diagnostic accuracy, lower the current state-of-the-art detection limits, and play a vital role in therapeutic strategy and monitoring.

Shedding light onto live molecular targets

“…Surface and multispectral images have been used to assess epithelial tissue structure and physiology [1][2][3], brain function [4,5] or superficial redox potential [6]. Probing of hemoglobins deeper in tissue has been used in functional transillumination or reflectance imaging [7,8] or diffuse optical tomography [9][10][11][12][13][14]. Other techniques have exploited light polarization [15] or light interference [16,17].…”

Application and Prospects of Molecular Imaging

“…[17] . 그리고 광학영상의 미래를 밝게 하는 연구결과 들 중 영상화를 목표로 하는 특정 효소에 의해서만 반 응하여 활성화되는 형광보고자(fluorescent reporter)의 개발이다.…”

Near‐infrared imaging of breast cancer using optical contrast agents

“…700-1000 nm, absorption and scattering are relatively low in biological tissues, which is why this range has been referred to as the "diagnostic window" [25]. Light at this wavelength range penetrates tissues up to a maximum thickness of several cm.…”

“…Applying compression to reduce the thickness of the tissue to be transilluminated results in higher photon detection on the detector side [62]. This shortens scan time and eases the technical demands for detectors and laser sources, which in turn reduces system costs [25,62]. On the other hand, even slight compression can alter physiologic tissue parameters.…”