Line Spectra of Potassium Element Spectroscopy: A Novel Approach to Detecting Microscopic Tumor Spread in Bone

The detection of microscopic tumor spread in bone remains a significant challenge in surgical oncology, where the spatial complexity of bony resection margins cannot be countered with rapid bone analysis techniques. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of ion channels in the hypoxic and metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells, as defined by the Warburg effect. However, the lack of rapid analysis techniques for bone has limited our understanding of this phenomenon.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has recently been introduced as a promising option for rapid bone analysis. This technique allows for the detection of electrolyte disturbances in bone, which are critical contributors to tumor invasion. In a recent study, LIBS-based depth profiling was used to track tumor-associated changes within the bone with shot accuracy based on the distribution of potassium (K).

The results showed that increased K emission values in otherwise typically healthy bone spectra were the first spectral signs of tumorous bone invasion. Solid calcium (Ca) from hydroxyapatite and soluble Ca from dissolved Ca could be reliably differentiated using LIBS, reflecting the natural heterogeneity of healthy bone.

In a case study, a patient's segmental mandibulectomy specimen was investigated using LIBS-based depth profiling to evaluate the detection of microscopic tumor spread in bone. The results showed that LIBS-based depth profiles at the tumor border region could be used to track tumor-associated changes within the bone with shot accuracy based on the distribution of K.

The present study aimed to use LIBS-based depth profiling based on electrolyte disturbance tracking to evaluate the detection of microscopic tumor spread in bone. The findings suggest that LIBS might enable the detection of microscopic tumor spread in bone, which could be a significant advancement in surgical oncology.

In conclusion, LIBS-based depth profiles at the tumor border region can be used to track tumor-associated changes within the bone with shot accuracy based on the distribution of K. Increased potassium (K) emission values in otherwise typically healthy bone spectra are the first spectral signs of tumorous bone invasion. Future studies should apply direct electrolyte tracking using LIBS to other intraoperative challenges in surgical oncology to advance rapid bone analysis by spectroscopic-optical techniques.

Line spectra of potassium element spectroscopy