New Endoscopic Technique Detects Upper Gastrointestinal Cancers

Linked Color Imaging (LCI), a novel endoscopic technique, improves cancer detection by viewing the upper digestive tract mucosa.

An endoscopic modality for detecting upper gastrointestinal tract neoplasms by Linked Color Imaging has been described by Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) researchers.

The Linked Color Imaging that innovatively mixes light of different wavelengths to better depict mucosal changes.

Proton Beam Therapy for Cancer Treatment
Proton therapy is a form of radiotherapy for cancer treatment which uses a proton beam that is targeted precisely on the tumor cells, destroying them with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Proton therapy can treat various types of cancer.

‘Linked Color Imaging (LCI), a novel endoscopic technique that improves cancer detection by viewing the upper digestive tract mucosa under illumination that combines specific wavelengths of light to intensify subtle color variations indicative of neoplastic change.’

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is routinely performed to detect tumorous changes or neoplasia in the pharynx, esophagus, and stomach and is conventionally done under White Light Imaging (WLI).

Using the innovative LASEREO system developed by the Fujifilm Corporation, LCI technology balances white light with narrow-band short wavelength light in a specific ratio that deepens and enhances the contrast of red and white hues, thus intensifying nuances of mucosal transformation.

Though earlier studies have described the role of LCI in histological diagnosis of upper GI tract tumors, the research team felt the need for a large-scale, broad-based comparative study to assess its efficacy in neoplasm detection.

Test Your Knowledge on Gastric Cancer
Gastric cancer is also called stomach cancer as it occurs most commonly in the mucus producing cells lining the stomach. It is the seventh most common cancer among women and 5th most common cancer among men in India. A lot of research has been initiated into finding treatment measures and for reducing the risk for this type of cancer. In a study in China, it was found that cabbages and potatoes reduce the risk of gastric cancer. Studies such as these aid in controlling the incidence of this type of cancer.

"Our research was conducted in 19 hospitals across Japan involving 1502 patients with known past or current gastrointestinal cancer, representing a high-risk population" explains Dr Shoko Ono, lead author.

"Patients underwent upper GI endoscopy under both WLI and LCI protocols wherein they were grouped according to which modality was performed first. Ingeniously, our study design ensured diagnostic accuracy; not only did each modality serve as a backup and crosscheck on the other, this was further followed by histopathological confirmation."

Next Generation of Endoscopy Technology Developed
A miniaturised multi-photon microscope, which could be used in an endoscope in future, excites the body's own molecules to illuminate and enables cells and tissue structures to be imaged without the use of synthetic contrast agents.

Dr Kenro Kawada, co-lead author, describes the results. "With LCI, lesions were detected in 8% of the patients but the detection rate was only 4.8% with WLI. Conversely, with WLI 3.5% of patients had a lesion overlooked but this rate was only 0.67% with LCI.

This shows a clear superiority of LCI over conventionally illuminated endoscopic screening for discerning mucosal changes related to upper GIT neoplasia as it detected neoplasia 1.67 times more frequently."

Gastric Cancer: New Findings
In gastric cancer, the splitting of FerriIridium drug drastically increases both the phosphorescence and the toxicity of the iridium complex, revealed scientists.

Professor Mototsugu Kato, senior and corresponding author, explains the implications of their research. "Combined with previous studies that show the efficacy of LCI in detecting large intestinal neoplasia, our findings make a strong case for wider adoption of this modality in surveillance of the entire endoscopically accessible digestive tract. However, we need further research to confirm its efficacy in the hands of general clinicians for upper GI screening of an average population."

Source-Eurekalert