Characterization of cancer metastasis in model mice by multiphoton microscopy and Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy provides a wealth of diagnostic information to the surgeon with in situ cancer detection and labelfree histopathology in clinical practice. However, to identify cancer diagnostic biomarkers in vivo is still challenging, because malignancy can be characterized not only by the cancer cells but also by the environmental factors. Here we investigate molecular dynamics in both cancer cells and their environment in xenograft models and spontaneous metastasis models using Raman spectroscopy and nonlinear optical imaging. We are constructing a custom-designed Raman spectral imaging system to reveal the metastasis process and to evaluate therapeutics toward the clinical application of the technique.