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）获得微观尺度的，三维的，组织固有的机械性能的图像（例如，弹性模量）和与机械性能相关的机械参数（例如，应变）。组织的机械性能已被证明是组织和细胞的功能和健康的重要指标。已经开发了一系列OCE技术，然而，每种技术都是通过使用光学相干断层扫描（OCT）来测量样品如何响应机械载荷而变形。OCE已被证明是非常有效的疾病和健康的乳腺组织之间的划定，并正在应用于肿瘤边缘评估保乳手术。食管癌是四种癌症的“未满足的需求”（癌症研究英国），主要是由于其生存率低，诊断晚。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：我们的目标是克服这些缺陷，通过开发技术（成像技术，并可能开发内窥镜实现OCE的体内使用），用于诊断和分期oesophageal cancer.新奇的研究方法：我们将开始与活组织检查的体外成像，通过应用光学相干弹性成像（OCE），和人工智能。然后，潜在地开发该技术的医疗应用。与EPSRC的战略和研究领域保持一致：1.工程和技术的前沿。OCE在其他应用方面也有了新的发展，但如何将这项技术用于食管癌仍有待研究。人工智能、数字化和数据：推动价值和安全。为分析OCE数据而开发的工具类型将是一种人工智能解决方案。改变健康和医疗保健。这项研究的目的是改变食管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