One of the biggest challenges in cancer surgery is defining tumour margins accurately to ensure the tumour is completely removed with an adequate margin of healthy tissue. This challenge is even greater in oral cancer due to variation in the pattern of tumour invasion between patients. Determining both the tumour margin and the pattern of invasion is strongly associated with prognosis and recurrence risk.

Currently, conventional histology only provides a two-dimensional representation of the tumour, which makes it difficult to assess invasion patterns. This project explores using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and synchrotron X-ray phase contrast imaging to generate 3D images of tongue tumour margins.

Previous pilot work has shown that micro-CT can distinguish tumour tissue from normal tissue, though improved soft tissue contrast is still needed. The research team will use micro-CT at DTU and synchrotron X-ray phase contrast imaging at MAX IV on paraffin-embedded tongue tumour specimens to provide 3D images of tumour margins and invasion patterns. The imaging results will be correlated with histological data.

This study is the first to compare micro-CT and synchrotron imaging for three-dimensional visualisation of oral cancer tissue, improving our understanding of tumour margins and invasion patterns. These insights could lay the foundation for further research aimed at improving tumour assessment, optimising prognosis and reducing treatment complications.

For further information about this HALRIC pilot project, please contact:

 

Tobias Todsen
Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet
tobias.todsen@regionh.dk