Detection of cancer of pancreas by native fluorescence of blood components: a preliminary report

ABSTRACT

Cancer of pancreas is one of the major concerns in health care. Since the early detection of tumour is essential for effective disease management, many methods such as ultrasound, computed tomography [CT] or magnetic resonance image [MRI] scans, etc., are used. Our goal in this work is to develop a new technique of optical diagnosis for detection of cancer of pancreas. In this study we analyzed the blood components through fluorescence emission and synchronous spectroscopic techniques to distinguish features of cancer of pancreas. The sample consisted of 20 patients with cancer and 80 healthy subjects. Extracts of formed elements and plasma of pancreatic cancer patients showed unmistakable features distinct from those of healthy subjects, mainly because of high concentration of porphyrin and bilirubin fluorophores in blood [P<0.001]. In conclusion this preliminary study showed that through optical diagnosis based on fluorescence emission and synchronous spectra, it is possible to detect pancreatic cancer. This is a newly emerging, non-invasive and reliable technique for early detection of cancer