Three-Dimensional Visualization of Spreading Tumor Cell Through Air Spaces (STAS) Using High Resolution Phase-Contrast Imaging Method

초록

Introduction: The presence of spreading tumor cell through air spaces (STAS) above the edge of tumor margin inside lung cancer has been proved to be one of important prognostic factors for recurrence. However, there still no definite diagnostic tools for the detection of STAS unless proceeding precise pathologic examination. Synchrotron radiation phase-contrast tomography techniques applying specially designed crystal optics could be an optimal imaging method for visualizing STAS from lung cancer samples. The aim of this study is to visualization of STATS over the edge lung adenocarcinomas using synchrotron radiation tomography apply analyzer-based optics for identification of STAS over the edge of lung adenocarcinoma, therefore, enhancing three-dimensional comprehension of invasive mechanism. Methods: Parts of human lung cancer tissue harvested from a patient who underwent surgical resection for curative purpose were used to acquire high resolution phase-contrast CT using synchrotron radiation. The experiment was performed using analyzer-based optic devices configured at Photon Factory BL 14B affiliated in High Energy Accelerator Research Organization in Japan. Obtained images were reconstructed to three-dimensional tomography. Segmentation was also performed. Used specimen was made to a formalin-fixed Paraffin Fixed block, sliced and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for conventional light-microscopic examination Results: Parts of human lung cancer tissue harvested from a patient who underwent surgical resection for curative purpose were used to acquire high resolution phase-contrast CT using synchrotron radiation. The experiment was performed using analyzer-based optic devices configured at Photon Factory BL 14B affiliated in High Energy Accelerator Research Organization in Japan. Obtained images were reconstructed to three-dimensional tomography. Segmentation was also performed. Used specimen was made to a formalin-fixed Paraffin Fixed block, sliced and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for conventional light-microscopic examination Conclusions: Synchrotron radiation phase-contrast tomography imaging techniques applying analyzer-based optics are useful for achieving higher resolution enough to visualize the actual three-dimensional characteristics of STAS. This approach has the potential to establish a fundamental framework for 3D virtual histopathology as an imaging-based diagnostic tool for lung cancer.