title: Raman spectroscopy: a potential tool for early objective diagnosis of neoplasia in the oesophagus.
abstract: There is a profound clinical need for a diagnostic tool that will enable clinicians to identify early neoplastic change in the oesophagus. Raman Spectroscopy (RS) has demonstrated the potential to provide non-invasive, rapid, objective diagnosis of endoscopically invisible precancerous oesophageal dysplasia in vitro. RS analyses biological material to identify highly specific biochemical information that can be used to influence clinical care. Raman spectroscopic mapping could provide automated assessment of tissue biopsies to aid histopathological diagnosis in vitro. Furthermore, the recent development of fibre-optic Raman probes has enabled endoscopic assessment of oesophageal mucosa in vivo. Accurate identification of dysplasia will enable targeted endoscopic resection of early lesions preventing the development of oesophageal cancer. This review summarises the development of Raman systems for use as laboratory based analytical adjuncts and endoscopic diagnostic tools in the distal oesophagus.
authors.affiliation: Biophotonics Research Unit, Leaden House, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Great Western Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL13NN, UK. mxa891@hotmail.com
authors.forename: L Max
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Almond
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hutchings
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shepherd
authors.forename: Hugh
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Barr
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kendall
mesh_terms: D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*