Transforming oesophageal cancer diagnosis using optical coherence elastography

研究背景的简要描述，包括潜在的影响：光学相干弹性成像(OCE)获得组织固有的机械属性(例如，弹性模数)和与机械属性(例如，应变)相关的机械参数的微尺度、三维图像。组织的机械性能已被证明是组织和细胞功能和健康的重要指标。然而，已经开发了一系列OCE技术，每一种技术都通过使用光学相干断层扫描(OCT)来测量样品在机械载荷下的变形。OCE已被证明在区分病变和健康的乳腺组织方面非常有效，并正被应用于保乳手术中的肿瘤边缘评估。食道癌是四种“未满足需求”的癌症之一(英国癌症研究)，主要原因是其低存活率和较晚的诊断。在监测、分期和治疗的所有阶段都存在重大缺陷。目的和目标：我们的目标是通过开发用于食道癌的诊断和分期的技术(成像技术，以及潜在地开发用于体内使用的OCE的内窥镜实现)来克服这些不足。研究方法的创新：我们将从应用光学相干弹性成像(OCE)和人工智能的活检组织的体外成像开始。然后，潜在地开发这项技术的医疗应用。与EPSRC的战略和研究领域保持一致：1.工程和技术的前沿。OCE最近在其他应用方面取得了进展，但如何将这项技术用于食道癌仍有待研究。人工智能、数字化和数据：推动价值和安全。开发的用于分析OCE数据的工具类型将是人工智能解决方案。改变健康和医疗保健。这项研究的目的是改变食道癌的诊断和分期方式。任何参与的公司或合作者：N/A

Brief description of the context of the research including potential impact:Optical coherence elasography (OCE) obtains micro-scale, three-dimensional, images of the mechanical properties intrinsic to tissue (e.g., elastic modulus) and mechanical parameters, which are correlated with mechanical properties (e.g., strain). Mechanical properties of tissue have been shown to be important indicators of the function and health of tissues and cells. A range of OCE techniques have been developed, however, each works by using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure how the sample deforms in response to mechanical loading. OCE has been shown to be very effective at delineating between diseased and healthy breast tissue and is being applied to tumour margin assessment in breast conserving surgery.Oesophageal cancer is one of four cancers of "unmet need" (Cancer Research UK) mainly due to its poor survival rates and late diagnosis. Significant deficiencies exist at all stages of surveillance, staging, and treatment. Aims and Objectives:We aim to overcome these deficiencies by developing technology (imaging techniques, and potentially developing endoscopic realisations of OCE for in-vivo use), for the diagnosis and staging of oesophageal cancer.Novelty of Research Methodology:We will start with ex-vivo imaging of biopsies by applying optical Coherence Elastography (OCE), and artificial intelligence. Then, potentially develop healthcare applications for this technology.Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas:1. Frontiers in engineering and technology.OCE has seen recent developments in other applications, but how to use this technology for oesophageal cancer is still yet to be researched.2. Artificial intelligence, digitisation and data: driving value and security. The type of tool developed to analyse the OCE data will be an artificial intelligence solution.3. Transforming health and healthcare. The aim of this research is to transform how oesophageal cancer is diagnosed and staged.Any companies or collaborators involved:N/A