Integrated Endoscopic System Based on Optical Imaging and Hyperspectral Data Analysis for Colorectal Cancer Detection

Abstract

Background/aim: Two-dimensional hyperspectral data systems with enhanced area detection and diagnostic abilities are now available in gastrointestinal endoscopy for colorectal cancer. We evaluated a new hyperspectral system for diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Patients and methods: A resected-specimen spectrum observation module (stereoscopic macroscope, hyperspectral camera, and xenon lamp) was used to evaluate 21 resected colorectal cancer specimens (ex vivo experiment). A colonoscopy spectrum observation module (imaging fiberscope and hyperspectral camera) was used to perform 24 colonoscopic spectroscopy evaluations (in vivo experiment).

Results: An approximately 525-nm increase in spectral absorption occurred between normal mucosa and adenoma, with a tendency toward decreased absorption rates with aggravation of other tumor types. In vivo discrimination between tumorous and non-tumorous tissues showed 72.5% sensitivity and 82.1% specificity.

Conclusion: This in vivo hyperspectral diagnostic system showed that reflectance spectra intensity may discriminate between normal and abnormal colonic mucosa.

Keywords: Hyperspectral analysis; colonoscopy; optical biopsy; reluctant spectroscopy.