Quantitative collagen analysis using second harmonic generation images for the detection of basal cell carcinoma with ex vivo multiphoton microscopy

Abstract

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer, and its incidence is rising. Millions of benign biopsies are performed annually for BCC diagnosis, increasing morbidity, and healthcare costs. Non‐invasive in vivo technologies such as multiphoton microscopy (MPM) can aid in diagnosing BCC, reducing the need for biopsies. Furthermore, the second harmonic generation (SHG) signal generated from MPM can classify and prognosticate cancers based on extracellular matrix changes, especially collagen type I. We explored the potential of MPM to differentiate collagen changes associated with different BCC subtypes compared to normal skin structures and benign lesions. Quantitative analysis such as frequency band energy analysis in Fourier domain, CurveAlign and CT‐FIRE fibre analysis was performed on SHG images from 52 BCC and 12 benign lesions samples. Our results showed that collagen distribution is more aligned surrounding BCCs nests compared to the skin's normal structures (p < 0.001) and benign lesions (p < 0.001). Also, collagen was orientated more parallelly surrounding indolent BCC subtypes (superficial and nodular) versus those with more aggressive behaviour (infiltrative BCC) (p = 0.021). In conclusion, SHG signal from type I collagen can aid not only in the diagnosis of BCC but could be useful for prognosticating these tumors. Our initial results are limited to a small number of samples, requiring large‐scale studies to validate them. These findings represent the groundwork for future in vivo MPM for diagnosis and prognosis of BCC.

Quantifyingin vivocollagen reorganization during immunotherapy in murine melanoma with second harmonic generation imaging

“…Others have similarly shown that shorter, wider, curlier collagen is a characteristic of healthy human skin compared to basal cell carcinoma biopsies. 60,61…”

Extracellular matrix in leg basal cell carcinoma: Possible pathogenetic role of chronic venous insufficiency

“…found a more aligned collagen distribution surrounding BCCs nests than in normal skin and benign lesions. 5 …”

Submicron resolution techniques: Multiphoton microscopy in skin disease

“…Generally, collagen distribution around BCC nests appeared more organised, and collagen orientation around indolent BCC subtypes (superficial and nodular) was more parallel. 25 However, MPM imaging has limited depth, making it less effective in observing nodular BCC. Therefore, MPM is suitable for superficial skin tumours or precancerous lesions.…”

“…They compared BCC with normal skin, benign lesions and indolent BCC versus aggressive BCC. Generally, collagen distribution around BCC nests appeared more organised, and collagen orientation around indolent BCC subtypes (superficial and nodular) was more parallel 25 . However, MPM imaging has limited depth, making it less effective in observing nodular BCC.…”