Terahertz technology applications in glioma diagnosis: From histological classification to molecular typing

Abstract

Terahertz is an electromagnetic spectrum, which located between microwave and infrared spectrum. Based on low ionization and fingerprint characteristics, it has great application potential in biomedical field, especially in the intraoperative localization and qualitative diagnosis of tumors. Glioma is the most urgent tumor for positioning qualitative diagnosis. Due to its invasiveness and heterogeneity, it is easy to relapse after resection and has a significant impact on the nerve function of adjacent brain regions. Therefore, rapid determination of its boundary and pathological characteristics of tumors is important prerequisite for accurate diagnosis, treatment and clinical research of glioma. Here, we summarize the biophysical technology of glioma diagnosis, and expound the new technique of terahertz wave and its research results in diagnosis of glioma. Furthermore, based on the research progress of integrated diagnosis of glioma histopathology and molecular pathology, we propose a hypothesis that different molecular subtypes of tumor tissue may have a consistent ‘differential terahertz wave protein composition’ of terahertz tumor subtype recognition mechanism. Finally, combined with the biological characteristics of brain tissue and the potential of glioma marker detection in body fluids, we discusse the clinical application model and prospects of terahertz technologies in glioma detection.

Detection of In Vivo-like Cells by a Biosensor Chip Based on Metamaterials in Terahertz Regime

“…techniques come with the drawbacks of being complex, expensive, poor accuracy, and radiation exposure [5]. Terahertz (THz) detection of GBM has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to its unique properties, such as low ionization and label-free [6,7].…”

“…Currently, the traditional GBM diagnosis techniques mainly include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), immunohistochemistry, and hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE) section. Unfortunately, these detection techniques come with the drawbacks of being complex, expensive, poor accuracy, and radiation exposure [5].…”