Raman spectroscopy for analysis of tissue biomarkers in skin cancers
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Raman Spectroscopic Detection of Skin Cancer, Cancerous Margins Assessment and Dermatological Diseases
IRAS ID
341231
Contact name
Pola Goldberg Oppenheimer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research Governance Team
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Surface Enhanced Raman's spectroscopy (SERS) is a novel analytical technique which allows for molecular detection and the generation of diagnostic signature profiles. It is a non-destructive technique which is not influenced by water content in tissues, and can be used without lengthy preparation of samples, thus posing an advantage over existing spectroscopy techniques such as infrared spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy respectively.
Its application represents a new frontier for medical diagnostics, for which cancer detection is of particular interest. Skin cancers (the most common of which are basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas) have a high prevalence in the UK population, with initial detection and diagnosis based on clinical appearance. Confirmation of diagnosis and treatment can only be obtained through surgical excision and histological examination.
This process can be lengthy and labour intensive, requiring removal by a team of trained surgeons and nurses, and at least 24 hours of processing for histological samples. The diagnosis requires analysis by an experienced consultant histopathologist, of which there is currently a national shortfall.
Raman’s spectroscopy therefore represents a potentially useful non-invasive diagnostic tool, which can analyse tissue samples and provide a real-time diagnosis. This technique can be performed on both tissues that have been removed, but also on living patients, bypassing the need for a biopsy.
Our study aims to investigate the applications of Raman's spectroscopy in the detection and analysis of skin cancer signatures, within tissues samples of basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.
REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/0142
Date of REC Opinion
10 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion