Feasibility of three-dimensional optical coherence tomography and optical Doppler tomography of malignancy in hamster cheek pouches.

OBJECTIVE: Hamster cheek pouches (HCP) with various degrees of 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene (DMBA)-induced dysplasia and malignancies were imaged with OCT/ODT in vivo and in vitro to assess the potential for three-dimensional high-resolution optical localization of airway malignancy. BACKGROUND DATA: Optical coherence tomography (OCT)/optical doppler tomography (ODT) provide potential capability for real-time in vivo high-resolution (2-20 microm) cross-sectional imaging of tissues and spatially resolved blood flow in microvasculature for pathology diagnostics. METHODS: DMBA was applied to the right side of the cheek pouch (HCP), and mineral oil (control) to the left side three times weekly for 10-18 weeks in Syrian Golden Hamsters using a standard protocol for malignancy induction. HCP were imaged in vivo with OCT/ODT as well as in vitro post-excision, using a prototype 1310-nm broadband superluminescent diode-based OCT/ODT device constructed in our laboratory. Three-dimensional images were constructed, and compared to standard and three-dimensional histology hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: OCT imaging offered exceptional resolution of the HCP to depths of 1-2 mm and confirmed ability to detect dysplasia and malignancy. Three-dimensional OCT images were readily constructed, allowing visualization of extent and localization of tumor margins. ODT demonstrated increased vascularity in the area of neoplasia. OCT/ODT is a promising new technology for oral airway diagnostics.

Optical coherence tomography of malignancy in hamster cheek pouches.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT)/optical Doppler tomography (ODT) provides real-time in vivo high-resolution (10-microm) imaging of tissues and real-time spatially resolved blood flow in microvasculature. Hamster cheek pouches with induced dysplasia and malignancies were imaged with OCT/ODT to assess the potential for application to airway malignancy. In 22 Golden Syrian hamsters, 0.5% 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene induces carcinogenesis over 10 weeks in right side cheek pouches; the left side three served as controls. The cheek pouches are imaged in vivo prior to sacrifice, and in vitro after excision, using a prototype 1310-nm broadband superluminescent diode based OCT/ODT device. Images are compared to standard histopathology. OCT imaging offers good resolution of the hamster cheek pouches to depths of 1 to 3 mm and paralleled histologic images. The feasibility of high-resolution functional imaging is demonstrated in this hamster cheek pouch tumor model. ODT accurately detects vascular change associated with carcinogenesis.