The use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in skin cancer research: a systematic review

Abstract

Skin cancers are one of the most frequently occurring diseases in humans that pose severe health issues.Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in cancer research has gained considerable attention because of its ability to provide biochemical information in addition to being compatible with traditional histopathology. With this review, we aim to identify all skin cancer studies which have been conducted using FTIR spectroscopy and depict different methodologies that have been used to analyse FTIR spectroscopic data of skin cancers. We conducted the systematic review following PRISMA guidelines for which three databases, Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science, were searched from commencement to 16 January 2019. All the studies which used FTIR spectroscopy for skin cancer research were included in the review. A total of 35 studies were found eligible to be included in the review. Of these, 21 studies were based on melanoma, 6 studies on BCC, 2 studies on SCC, and 2 on lymphocytes. The remaining 4 studies aimed to differentiate between various skin cancer types. The potential of FTIR spectroscopy for many relevant aspects of skin cancer research has already been demonstrated, but more work is needed to establish FTIR spectroscopy as a routine method in the field.

Discrimination of melanoma cell lines with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy

“…The last prominent band observed at 3298 cm -1 is amide A which occurs due to stretching vibration of NH groups of proteins. The prominent spectral bands are well characterized by all cell lines [8].…”

“…The analysis of acquired spectra can be automated using machine learning algorithms, making the classification of lesions less prone to operator errors. We have recently reviewed the efficacy of FTIR spectroscopy in skin cancer research [8]. FTIR spectroscopy has been previously shown to discriminate between healthy and diseased conditions of various skin cancers [9][10][11][12].…”

“…Alternatively, the contribution from paraffin can either be truncated [8] or digitally subtracted [9] from the acquired spectra. The acquired spectra analysis can be automated using machine learning algorithms, which may provide a label-free tool for automated objective classification of cells and extracellular components in the skin [10]. FTIR spectroscopy has previously been shown to discriminate melanoma from healthy skin and other skin lesions [11][12][13][14].…”

Optimization of measurement mode and sample processing for FTIR microspectroscopy in skin cancer research

“…13,14 Tissue samples used in FTIR microspectroscopy are most often fixed with formalin and embedded in paraffin, i.e., formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples. 1 Paraffin serves as a support medium during sectioning and aids in preserving the sample for future analysis. Thin sections are cut with a microtome and placed on a suitable substrate, depending upon the mode used.…”

“…Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy has become popular in histopathological and cytopathological research due to its capability to assess biochemical composition and molecular structure of unstained cells and tissues. Several groups have used FTIR microspectroscopy to diagnose skin cancers 1 and other cancers, such as breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, brain, bladder, head and neck cancers. 2,3 These studies have demonstrated the ability of FTIR microspectroscopy to differentiate between diseased and non-diseased conditions.…”