The specific aims of the project are performing a pre-clinical study on a human model and evaluating the oxygenation and other status of human erythrocytes by spectrally-resolved third harmonic generation (srTHG) microscopy . By analyzing the partitioned third harmonic generation (THG) spectra of oxygenated and deoxygenated erythrocytes ex vivo, the investigators aim to provide a reference standard for quantifying oxygenation and molecular status in this project.
Recently, oximeter, detecting the spectral response at wavelengths of 660nm and 940nm, is widely used to measured oxygenation status. Its low spatial resolution and limited penetration depth in human skin, however, restrict the oximeter in clinical application especially for early detection of cancer. In early-stage cancer development, angiogenesis and oxygen depletion around tumor are two important indicators of tumor growth. If an angiogenesis and low oxygenation status can be identified simultaneously, the investigators can point out the early-stage tumor from normal tissue easily. The investigators have been working towards the development of third harmonic generation microscopy systems and reported the success of revealing morphology in human skin specimen. Since THG process is based on virtual transition without energy deposition, THG microscopy enables imaging ex vivo specimens without extra label and invasive procedure. To further investigate biological process of biomaterials, the investigators develop a srTHGM where THG spectrum is partitioned to analyze during imaging process. In this project, the investigators aim to elucidate oxygenation concentration and other specific biological molecular of red blood cells through the srTHG microscopy system. The abilities to reveal structure morphology and its corresponding biological information in situ would provide assistance to diagnose early-stage of tumor and other diseases as well as a potential support in clinical treatment.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
National Taiwan University Hospital
Taipei, Taiwan
Observe the extent of tumor growth via morphological information
To observe the extent of tumor growth (with units of mm2) via morphological information. Morphological information are presented as density and shape of red blood cells.
Time frame: 2 years
Observe the extent of tumor growth via spectral THG intensity distribution
To observe the extent of tumor growth (with units of mm2) via spectral THG distributions. The spectral distributions are presented by the ratio between different channels. And the ratio can be calculated by analyzing the excited fluorescence intensity.
Time frame: 2 years
Change in spectral THG strength distribution
Obtain THG strength in 3 different channels for chemically treated whole blood samples for oxygenation, deoxygenation and other status. The spectral distributions are presented by the ratio between different channels.
Time frame: 2 years
Quantify the extent of diseases in spectral THG strength distribution
With calculating the ratio of THG strength for chemically treated whole blood samples for oxygenation and deoxygenation and other status from different channels, the extent of other diseases can be quantified.
Time frame: 1 year
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.