Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography for in vivo visualization of morphological characteristics of squamous cell carcinoma in a murine model

Abstract

ObjectivesNon‐invasive imaging with line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) can support the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) through visualization of morphological characteristics specific to skin cancer. We aimed to visualize prominent morphological characteristics of SCC using LC‐OCT in a well‐established murine SCC model.Materials and MethodsNine hairless mice were exposed to ultraviolet radiation three times weekly for 9 months to induce SCC development. Visible SCC tumors (n = 9) were imaged with LC‐OCT and the presence of 10 well‐described morphological characteristics of SCC were evaluated in the scans by two physicians with adjudication by a third.ResultsOverall, murine morphological characteristics resembled corresponding features previously reported in human SCCs. Interrupted dermal‐epidermal junction occurred in 100% of tumors. In epidermis, the most frequently observed characteristics were severe epidermal dysplasia (100%) and tumor budding (89%). Common dermal characteristics included broad strands (100%) and collagen alterations (78%).ConclusionLC‐OCT imaging can be used to non‐invasively visualize morphological characteristics specific to SCC in an in vivo preclinical model.

Introduction to the 2024 special dermatology plastic surgery issue

“…The evolving use of real-time, noninvasive imaging tools to guide and monitor therapies is another of this year's themes. Articles by Olesen et al 11 and Beachkofsky et al 12 highlight the use of line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) to determine the nature and depth of devicetissue effects in addition to lesion visualization, making a case for more precise diagnostics and controlled treatments using an LC-OCT-guided approach. Suggesting that pretreatment imaging of solar lentigos might predict therapeutic responses to 532 nm picosecond laser, Hara et al note a significant correlation between treatment response and lesion vascularity, determined by OCT angiography in 11 patients.…”