Oral Cancer
Development of in vivo Laser Raman Spectroscopy Methods for Diagnosis of Oral Precancerous and Cancerous Conditions.
The objective of the present research program is to develop and evaluate in vivo Raman spectroscopic methods and fiber optic probes designs for the diagnosis of oral precancers and cancers in the clinical setting. Using a fiber-optic probe coupled commercial Raman instrument in vivo studies are initiated. Standard models for normal, tumor and premalignant conditions has been developed and evaluated. Other aspects related to oral cancers e.g. field effects, sub-site classification and age-associated changes are also being explored. A total of 346 subjects- 195 oral cancer, 50 oral cancers with premalignant patches, 14 non-tobacco cancer subjects, 72 healthy controls of different age groups and 15 habitual tobacco users have been enrolled.
In vivo Raman Spectroscopic Prediction of Radio-sensitivity in Oropharyngeal Cancers � Pilot Study.
Radiotherapy is the preferred treatment modality for most of the oropharyngeal cancers and radioresistance is a major hurdle. Objective of the study is to explore the feasibility of in vivo Raman diagnostic methods in classification of responding and non responding oropharyngeal cancers using spectra recorded during different stages of radiation treatment. So far 18 patients are recruited and response status of 7 of them is known. Additionally efficacy of RS in identifying radiation induced mucositis will also be explored.
Cervix Cancer
Development of�in vivo�Laser Raman Spectroscopy Methods for Diagnosis of Cervical cancers.
This research program aims at developing a non invasive method of diagnosis for cervical cancers. Different fiber-optic probe design has been explored and feasibility of acquiring in vivo spectra under clinical setting is evaluated. We have initiated and standardized in vivo acquisition of cervix spectra. So far 14 subjects were accrued.
Animal Model
Comparative Sequential Evaluation of efficacy of Laser Raman Spectroscopy in an animal model.
Main objective of this research program is to sequentially follow the progression of oral cancer using Raman Spectroscopy with parallel histopathological and molecular marker studies in Golden Syrian hamsters animal models. 6 Golden Syrian hamsters were included for a follow-up study on same animals.
Study of breast cancer progression in rodent models using Raman Spectroscopy.
The project aims at sequentially following the progression of breast cancer using Raman Spectroscopy with parallel histopathological studies. A suitable model, Swiss Bare mouse, was chosen based on low background and minimal skin interference in breast spectra. In addition to carcinogenesis studies, age-related changes in mouse breast and pregnancy/lactation associated changes were also being studied.