Toward handheld optically guided biopsy combining diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and autofluorescence

Significance: We aim to validate the technologies essential for a handheld, optically guided biopsy device designed to enhance the diagnostic yield and accuracy of percutaneous liver biopsy procedures. Aim: We aim to combine diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and autofluorescence (AF) spectroscopy in a fiber-optic needle probe using mini spectrometers for the classification of tumor and healthy tissues. Approach: A fiber-optic needle probe combining DRS and AF spectroscopy, incorporating mini spectrometers to facilitate future integration into a biopsy actuator, was designed and built. This custom probe was used to measure healthy liver tissues and colorectal metastases in excised liver segments. A linear discriminant analysis was applied to the DRS and AF data to distinguish tumors from healthy tissues. Results: The miniaturized combined DRS and AF spectroscopy system could accurately distinguish tumors from healthy liver with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 96% from a sample size of N = 10 patients and 52 measurements. Conclusions: We demonstrate the feasibility of miniaturizing a combined DRS and AF spectroscopy system for the classification of tumor and healthy tissues. This validation supports the feasibility and further development of a handheld, optically guided biopsy device.