Transforming oesophageal cancer diagnosis using optical coherence elastography

简要描述研究背景，包括潜在影响：光学相干弹性成像（OCE）获得组织固有力学性能（例如弹性模量）和与力学性能（例如应变）相关的力学参数的微观尺度，三维图像。组织的力学性能已被证明是组织和细胞功能和健康的重要指标。然而，一系列OCE技术已经被开发出来，每一种技术都是通过光学相干断层扫描（OCT）来测量样品在机械载荷下的变形情况。OCE已被证明在区分患病和健康乳腺组织方面非常有效，并正在应用于保乳手术的肿瘤边缘评估。食管癌是“未满足需求”的四种癌症之一（英国癌症研究中心），主要是由于其生存率低和诊断晚。在监测、分期和治疗的各个阶段都存在明显的缺陷。目的和目标：我们的目标是通过开发技术（成像技术，以及潜在的开发用于体内使用的OCE的内窥镜实现）来克服这些缺陷，用于食管癌的诊断和分期。研究方法的新新性：我们将从应用光学相干弹性成像（OCE）和人工智能的活组织检查的离体成像开始。然后，为这项技术开发医疗保健应用程序。与EPSRC的战略和研究领域保持一致：工程和技术的前沿。OCE最近在其他应用方面也有了发展，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：驱动价值和安全。用于分析OCE数据的工具类型将是一种人工智能解决方案。改革健康和医疗保健。这项研究的目的是改变食管癌的诊断和分期方式。任何涉及的公司或合作者：无

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