Advancements in Endoscopic Imaging for Cancer Detection
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in the field of medical imaging with the development of a prototype system that could enhance the ability of doctors to identify malignant tissue during endoscopic procedures. The findings, published in the Journal of Medical Imaging, highlight the potential of this new technology to improve cancer detection.
Gastrointestinal cancers are among the most prevalent types of cancer globally. Despite the widespread use of endoscopy as a standard method for screening and diagnosis over the past two decades, it still fails to detect between 8 to 11 percent of cancers. This limitation is largely due to the challenges of visual detection during these procedures.
The innovative system combines light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with hyperspectral imaging to create detailed maps of tissue properties. These features are not visible with conventional endoscopic cameras, offering a more comprehensive view of the tissue being examined.
Traditional endoscopy relies on capturing images using red, green, and blue (RGB) channels. In contrast, hyperspectral imaging collects data across many narrow wavelength bands, including light outside the visible spectrum. This capability allows the system to detect metabolic changes in cancerous cells, which produce distinct spectral patterns.
Testing the LED Array Concept
Led by Dr. Baowei Fei, Professor and Cecil H. and Ida Green Chair in Systems Biology Science at the University of Texas at Dallas Quantitative BioImaging Laboratory, the research team developed and tested a prototype imaging system. The system uses an array of 18 LEDs that emit light at wavelengths ranging from 405 to 910 nanometers.
As each LED illuminates the tissue one at a time, a monochrome camera captures images. This process generates a complete hyperspectral dataset. The team evaluated the system by imaging both normal and cancerous tissue samples collected after surgery. They tested different imaging settings to assess how these conditions affected data quality. Results from their system were compared to a reference hyperspectral camera, which served as the gold standard.
Promising Results for Medical Applications
The LED-based prototype successfully captured hyperspectral signals from different tissue types. Its performance was comparable to that of the reference system. The researchers found that their method could achieve imaging speeds of over 10 hyperspectral datasets per second. This meets the real-time requirements for endoscopic procedures.
Naeeme Modir, Study First Author and Ph.D. Candidate, University of Texas, stated that the research shows the feasibility of employing a spectral LED array as the illumination source for high-speed and high-quality hyperspectral imaging. The findings suggest that LED-based systems could open new possibilities for hyperspectral imaging applications.
Advantages Over Current Technology
The LED-based system offers several advantages over traditional hyperspectral endoscopy devices. Conventional systems often rely on fiber optic bundles to deliver light through the endoscope’s working channel. This setup reduces space for surgical tools or other instruments.
In contrast, the new design places the LEDs directly at the tip of the endoscope. This leaves the working channel available for medical instruments or other functions. The system also allows real-time adjustment of each LED’s intensity based on the distance to the target tissue. This helps prevent sensor saturation caused by excessive light and reduces noise from underexposure.
Additionally, because each wavelength is applied for only a short time, the design may reduce the risk of prolonged light exposure compared to systems using broad-spectrum white light.
Technical Innovation and Future Applications
The researchers used a wavelength-scanning method, where LEDs illuminate the tissue one wavelength at a time. This approach balances the need for fast imaging with the need for high spectral resolution. Unlike existing hyperspectral systems, which often trade speed for resolution or vice versa, this method maintains both.
The use of micro-LED technology makes the device suitable for medical applications. These LEDs are smaller than 400 micrometers on each side and can be mounted on a circuit board around the camera at the tip of the endoscope. This compact design allows multiple LEDs to be integrated without significantly increasing the size of the endoscope.
Another benefit is the ability to select specific spectral bands for imaging. Clinicians can choose wavelength combinations that are most effective for detecting certain cancers or tissue abnormalities. This can improve diagnostic accuracy while keeping imaging speeds high.
Path Forward
Modir added, “While the prototype demonstrates the technical feasibility of LED-based hyperspectral endoscopy, additional development will be needed before the technology reaches clinical practice. We established that this approach can produce high-quality hyperspectral data at practical imaging speeds—hopefully providing a foundation for future medical applications.”
This study represents a step toward more effective endoscopic cancer screening. LED-based hyperspectral imaging could reduce the number of missed tumors and support real-time tissue assessment over larger areas. This may help physicians make faster and more accurate decisions while minimizing unnecessary tissue removal and lab testing.
