Polarization Sensitive OCT for Detection of Melanoma

描述(申请人提供)：光学相干层析成像(OCT)是最近发展起来的一种成像技术，它可以对生物组织中的微米级结构进行原位、实时、非侵入性、非接触的横断面成像，因此似乎是一种适合皮肤癌研究的方法。偏振敏感光学相干层析成像(PS-OCT)的发展使得能够获得关于反射光携带的组织的偏振特性的附加信息。恶性黑色素瘤是皮肤癌的一种，在所有癌症中发病率上升最快。然而，肉眼检测黑色素瘤，即使是由黑色素瘤专家检测，也只有60%-80%的灵敏度。因此，迫切需要新的方法来分析体内可疑的皮肤损伤。在这项拟议的研究中，我们将构建一个PS-OCT系统来区分正常组织、良恶性组织。PS-OCT系统将控制入射到样品上的光的偏振状态。通过测量返回特定偏振态的光的反射率，我们将获得提供样品偏振特性的完整表示的米勒矩阵。在该项目的第一年，我们将利用快速扫描光学延迟线完成高速PS-OCT系统的建设和改进。在第二年，转基因小鼠模型将与PS-OCT一起用于研究多阶段黑色素瘤的发生以及良性和恶性病变的分化。这个转基因小鼠模型使用酪氨酸酶启动子来靶向表达突变的人类T24 Ha-ras癌基因，这是鲍威尔博士之前开发的，他将在第二年担任顾问。开发一种能够确定良性和恶性色素性病变的系统的总体目标将通过以下具体目标来实现：(1)开发PS-OCT仪器，(2)比较PS-OCT和组织学以鉴别良恶性病变。这一试验项目的成功完成将进一步开发一种实用而廉价的设备，可以用来区分皮肤的良性和恶性病变。因此，这项研究将有可能改善患者的护理，降低黑色素瘤的人力和经济成本。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a recently developed imaging technology, which permits in-situ, real-time, non-invasive, non-contact, cross-sectional imaging of micron-scale structures in biological tissues and as such seems to be a suitable modality for the study of skin cancer. The development of polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) permits the acquisition additional information on the polarization properties of tissue carried by the reflected light. Malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, is increasing in incidence at the most rapid rate of all cancers. Yet detection of melanoma visually, even by experts in melanoma, has only 60-80% sensitivity. Thus, new methods of analyzing suspicious skin lesions in vivo are urgently needed. In this proposed study, we will construct a PS-OCT system to distinguish between normal, benign and malignant tissues. The PS-OCT system will control the polarization state of the light incident upon the sample. By measuring the reflectivity of light returning in particular polarization states we will obtain the Mueller matrix that provides complete representation of the polarization properties of the sample. During the first year of this project, we will complete construction and refinement of a high speed PS-OCT system by using a rapid scan optical delay line. In the second year, a transgenic mouse model will be used in conjunction with PS-OCT to study multistage melanoma carcinogenesis and differentiation of benign and 1 malignant lesions. This transgenic mouse model uses tyrosinase promoter to target expression of the mutated human T24 Ha-ras oncogene, as previously developed by Dr. Powell who will serve as a consultant in the second year. The overall goals of developing a system capable of determining benign from malignant pigmented lesions will be achieved through the following specific aims: (1) develop PS-OCT instrumentation, (2) compare PS-OCT and histology to differentiate benign from malignant lesions. Successful completion of this pilot project will further the development of a practical and inexpensive device that can be used to differentiate benign from malignant lesions of the skin. Thus this research will have the potential to improve patient care and reduce the human and economical cost of melanoma.