Hyperspectral imaging-based wound analysis using mixture-tuned matched filtering classification method.

Hyperspectral imaging is a technology that is beginning to occupy an important place in medical research with good prospects in future clinical applications. We evaluated the role of hyperspectral imaging in association with a mixture-tuned matched filtering method in the characterization of open wounds. The methodology and the processing steps of the hyperspectral image that have been performed in order to obtain the most useful information about the wound are described in detail. Correlations between the hyperspectral image and clinical examination are described, leading to a pattern that permits relative evaluation of the square area of the wound and its different components in comparison with the surrounding normal skin. Our results showed that the described method can identify different types of tissues that are present in the wounded area and can objectively measure their respective abundance, which proves its value in wound characterization. In conclusion, the method that was described in this preliminary case presentation shows promising results, but needs further evaluation in order to become a reliable and useful tool.

Photodynamic therapy of Walker tumors by multiple laser irradiation.

OBJECTIVE: Photodynamic therapy of Walker tumor after subcutaneous administration of 5-ALA solution using a multiple laser irradiation scheme was monitored by the fluorescence imaging technique to investigate the effectiveness of 5-ALA-PDT. BACKGROUND DATA: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a localized cancer treatment based on the selective uptake and retention of photosensitizer at the tumoral level and on the activation of the photosensitizer by a specific wavelength of light, aiming to induce cytotoxic reactions. As a new photosensitizer, the heme precursor 5- aminolevulinic acid has been introduced recently for photodynamic therapy of tumors and precancerous lesions of the skin. It has been shown that the efficacy of topical 5-ALA-PDT is limited for deeper skin tumor by the depth of 5-ALA penetration through the skin. Oral or systemic administration of ALA or the use of different irradiation schemes may improve tumor response to PDT. METHODS: Laser irradiation parameters used in this study were lambda = 635 nm, P = 3 mW, t(exp) = 300 sec, and three sessions. The fluorescence was excitated by monochromatic light of 405 nm. The temporal behavior of PpIX fluorescence was studied by processing and analyzing the fluorescence images acquired just after applying 5-ALA, just before and just after three laser irradiations. RESULTS: The results demonstrate that PpIX is highly selective for tumors areas and a re-accumulation of PpIX appears between laser irradiations. During laser irradiation, the PpIX fluorescence intensity decreases rapidly, reflecting the photodegradation of PpIX. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the use of a multiple laser irradiation scheme, for the activation of reaccumulation of Pp IX (with three steps) is effective for photodynamic therapy of Walker tumor.

The monitoring of the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX in Walker tumours by subcutaneous administration of delta-aminolevulinic acid.

Photodynamic therapy with protoporphyrin IX induced by delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is mainly applied for the treatment of human superficial skin cancer. In this paper we present our study on photodynamic therapy (PDT) of the implanted Walker tumours using subcutaneous administration of ALA to improve the availability of ALA in the skin. We determined the accumulation and localization of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) after subcutaneous administration of different concentrations of ALA in a physiological saline solutions, using fluorescence imaging technique. The results obtained indicate that PpIX accumulation depends on the concentration of ALA. The temporal behavior of PpIX fluorescence has shown a clear demarcation of tumoural zone depending on the post-administration time and the administrated concentration of the ALA solution. Further studies are needed to confirm these encouraging results and to define the PDT protocols using subcutaneous administration of ALA solution