In Light of Recent Developments, Application of Fluorescence Spectral Analysis in Tumor Diagnosis

Abstract This paper reviews the background to cancer tumors. Fluorescence spectral analysis has been quantitatively applied to the detection of protoporphyrin IX (Pp‐IX) in transplanted squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) tissue and intra‐operative brain astrocytoma (glioblastoma) tissue after the administration of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA). Coincidence with the emission spectra of Pp‐IX incorporated into the tumor tissues (cryo‐sections) and a standard Pp‐IX in the miceller solution was confirmed. A calibration curve of the fluorescence intensity of Pp‐IX against a known concentration standard of Pp‐IX was established. From the fluorescence detection method (calibration curve), it was found that the longer alkyl‐chain length (methyl‐ and hexyl‐) 5‐ALA induced Pp‐IX in the SCC tissue. Furthermore, an ultrasound treatment enhanced the uptake of Pp‐IX during the topical administration of 5‐ALA derivatives. In the case of intra‐operative observation for the fluorescence intensity of Pp‐IX in the brain astrocyt...