Optical Diagnostic and Biophotonic Methods in Oncology – from Bench to Bedside

Biophotonics is a novel interdisciplinary science using light based technology to image, detect and characterize the interplay between light (photon) and tissues in living organisms. Fluorescent probes are external molecules (contrast agents or drugs) capable of absorbing light of a specific wavelength and emitting light of a different, typically longer wavelength to produce visible and measurable fluorescence. Cancer cells have different light interaction properties than normal tissues resulting in a contrast molecular imaging by various technologies. Standard imaging with tissue penetration range of centimeters is gradually replaced by methods able to reach cellular and subcellular level in microns. The concept of theranostics may include an imaging guided combination of diagnosis, treatment and follow up for personalized medicine. Clinical available applications include transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and an endoscope with nanoparticles for colon cancer therapy.