Affiliations: Laser Microbeam and Medical Program (LAMMP), Beckman
Laser Institute, University of California, Irvine, USA | Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department
of Surgical Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Medical Center,
USA | Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of
California, Irvine, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Bruce J. Tromberg, Laser Microbeam and
Medical Program (LAMMP), Beckman Laser Institute, University of California,
Irvine, CA 92612, USA. Tel.: +1 949 824 8367; Fax: +1 949 824 8413; E-mail:
tromberg@bli.uci.edu
Abstract: Diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS) of breast tissue provides
quantitative, functional information based on optical absorption and scattering
properties that cannot be obtained with other radiographic methods.
DOS-measured absorption spectra are used to determine the tissue concentrations
of deoxyhemoglobin (Hb-R), oxyhemoglobin (Hb-O_2), lipid,
and water (H_2O), as well as to provide an index of tissue
hemoglobin oxygen saturation (S_tO_2).
Tissue-scattering spectra provide insight into epithelial, collagen, and lipid
contributions to breast density. Clinical studies of women with malignant
tumors show that DOS is sensitive to processes such as increased tissue
vascularization, hypoxia, and edema. In studies of healthy women, DOS detects
variations in breast physiology associated with menopausal status, menstrual
cycle changes, and hormone replacement. Current research involves using DOS to
monitor tumor response to therapy and the co-registration of DOS with magnetic
resonance imaging. By correlating DOS-derived parameters with lesion pathology
and specific molecular markers, we anticipate that composite "tissue optical
indices" can be developed that non-invasively characterize both tumor and
normal breast-tissue function.
Journal: Disease Markers, vol. 19, no. 2-3, pp. 95-105, 2004
