image: Use of Chen Wang's optical coherence tomography probe could lead to fewer failed kidney cancer biopsies.
Credit: University of Oklahoma
NORMAN, OKLA. – Chen Wang, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the University of Oklahoma’s Biophotonic Imaging Laboratory, has been awarded a fellowship from the Prevent Cancer Foundation. His research aims to improve kidney biopsy imaging, leading to fewer failed surgeries.
Wang’s research delves into techniques for diagnostic surgery for kidney cancer. Through this fellowship, he will research a new technique for imaging navigation during biopsies by developing an optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe.
Currently, ultrasounds are the standard for visualizing kidney tissue biopsies. However, traditional ultrasound does not give doctors an accurate location of the biopsy needle tip, so kidney tissue and blood vessel information in front of the needle cannot be clearly identified.
“Navigation to a small tumor, perhaps two or three millimeters in size, might be difficult using traditional imaging methods during biopsy,” said Wang. “Our technique offers localized imaging right in front of the needle.”
That line of sight could make a difference in surgery outcomes. According to a 16-year analysis from a national biopsy laboratory, 14% of kidney biopsy surgeries fail to acquire the adequate tissue necessary for diagnosis, costing patients time and money and requiring repeat biopsy procedures. This technology will help to bring that number down. Additionally, the OCT probe system's ability to offer visibility of blood vessels could decrease cases of renal hemorrhage in patients.
In addition to aiding doctors in seeing the path of the procedural needle, the OCT probe could help them identify the type of tumor they are examining.
According to the American Cancer Society, the rates of new kidney cancer cases are steadily on the rise. Wang says that improvements in these diagnostic procedures will help address the critical challenge of early and accurate detection of the disease and lead to improved health outcomes for patients.