A recent study published in Advanced Photonics Research examined the use of terahertz (THz) sensing technology for non-invasive skin cancer detection. Researchers explored how a handheld THz probe could improve early diagnosis, offering an alternative to traditional methods that rely on biopsies.
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Advancements in Terahertz Technology
THz waves operate in the 100 GHz to 10 THz range and are non-ionizing, making them safe for medical imaging.
They are highly sensitive to water content, which allows them to distinguish between healthy and cancerous tissues based on hydration levels. Since malignant tissues tend to retain more water than normal skin, THz imaging has shown promise for early cancer detection.
Previous studies have highlighted the potential of THz spectroscopy in identifying diseased tissues, but its application in dermatology has been limited due to challenges in live tissue measurements. Recent advancements in handheld THz devices have opened new possibilities for clinical use, particularly in detecting skin cancer.
Terahertz Sensing for Differentiating Tissues
This study investigated the ability of THz sensing to differentiate cancerous and healthy skin. Researchers worked with 30 patients diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or melanoma.
They used a handheld THz scanner, the "skinometer," for in vivo measurements. The device recorded THz reflections from cancerous lesions, healthy skin, and a control region on the volar forearm. Each scan lasted 60 seconds at a rate of 4 Hz.
To account for individual skin variations, the researchers developed a patient-normalized response function, improving measurement accuracy. This work was conducted as part of the SINATRA project (SkIN hydrAtion evaluation with TeRAhertz scanning), which focuses on assessing skin hydration using THz technology.
Key Findings and Clinical Implications
The study provided significant insights into the use of THz sensing for skin cancer detection. Both healthy and cancerous skin showed transient changes in their THz responses, with signal amplitude decreasing over time. This effect was attributed to the compression of the skin by the quartz imaging window of the THz probe.
While the overall contrast between healthy and cancerous skin was relatively small, differences became more pronounced in high-frequency components above 0.5 THz. The introduction of a patient-normalized response function significantly improved tissue differentiation, enhancing detection accuracy.
The study also highlighted variability in THz responses among patients, emphasizing the influence of individual skin characteristics on measurements. Surface roughness played a key role in signal variations, with rougher cancerous lesions exhibiting greater contrast.
These findings suggest that optimizing THz imaging protocols—by focusing on specific frequency ranges and patient-specific factors—could improve its clinical application as a non-invasive tool for skin cancer evaluation.
Potential Applications in Medical Diagnostics
This research has significant implications for dermatology and oncology, particularly in non-invasive skin cancer detection. The introduction of a portable, handheld THz scanner for in vivo measurements could allow dermatologists to assess skin lesions in real time, reducing the need for biopsies and improving early detection.
Beyond skin cancer, THz sensing may have broader medical applications. It could be used to monitor treatment responses, track wound healing, and evaluate inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Its ability to assess tissue hydration and structural changes makes it a valuable tool for various clinical settings.
Future research should focus on refining the technology to enhance measurement accuracy and address factors that influence THz responses, such as skin type and tumor location. Standardized imaging protocols could further improve its reliability in medical diagnostics. As THz technology advances, integrating it into clinical practice could significantly improve early detection and treatment strategies, leading to better patient outcomes.
Journal Reference
Young, JJ., et al. (2025). In vivo Terahertz Sensing of Skin Cancer Patients. Advanced Photonics Research. DOI: 10.1002/adpr.202400195, https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adpr.202400195
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