Options
Laser induced auto fluorescence spectroscopy of normal & cancerous tissues from the colon of laboratory rats (in vivo) at different stages of development of cancer
Author
Tay, Michael Jau Jen
Supervisor
Chia, Teck Chee
Abstract
Cancer is one of the top killer diseases that we still have a lot to learn about and there is no definite cure for this highly fatal disease. In short, this disease is caused by the disorder of cell growth in our tissues. Recently, a new and more effective method of diagnosis based on the optical properties of biological tissues is being explored and examined by medical researchers worldwide. Optical properties of healthy tissues and diseased tissues differ due to the different chemical and structural composition. This new method of diagnosis makes use of the differences in auto fluorescence emitted from normal and cancerous tissues under the simulated excitation of monochromatic laser light to separate cancerous tissues from healthy tissues. This research project aims to obtain, investigate, analyze and compare the auto fluorescence emitted from healthy and cancerous colon tissues in laboratory rats (in vivo) through the use of laser spectroscopy at different stages of development of the disease. Results have shown differences in the laser induced auto fluorescence spectra between normal and cancerous colon tissues throughout the various stages of development, even at an early stage where polyps are not yet visible through the endoscope. Analysis of experimental results has also initiated the development of a new mathematical tool to help differentiate laser induced auto fluorescence spectra of normal tissues from the laser induced auto fluorescence spectra of cancerous tissues. These positive results make Laser induced auto fluorescence spectra a very promising method of diagnosing colon cancer at its early stages of development when treatment will bring a very high chance of recovery. From our experimental results, we can make better predictions and improvements to this new method of diagnosing cancer so that it can be applied in clinics and hospitals for early detection of colon cancer.
Date Issued
2001
Call Number
QC454.L3 Tay
Date Submitted
2001