UTILIZING INFRARED IMAGING TO EVALUATE THE AGGRESSIVENESS OF PROSTATE CANCER

Abstract

Background. Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men. While PSA screening has reduced mortality, the lack of its specificity and limitations of biopsy necessitate alternative diagnostic approaches. Aim. To evaluate the aggressiveness of PCa using an infrared (IR) imaging technique to improve PCa detection and treatment planning. Materials and Methods. We conducted a study using IR imaging on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded prostate tissue samples from 60 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy. An IR-sensitive CCD camera, a holder for the sample, and an IR irradiation source (LED 850 nm) are parts of the experimental setup. Custom software was used to analyze tissue samples. For each aggressiveness group (low, intermediate, high; n = 20 per group), the ratio of average illumination (RAI) between malignant and healthy regions was calculated. Results. RAIs between malignant area and healthy areas for different aggressiveness levels (mean ± 95% CI) were low-aggressiveness [6.8—7.2], intermediate [5.2—6.1], and high-aggressiveness [4.4—5.0]. These intervals did not overlap. The control (benign) tissues showed RAI > 7.5. The method demonstrated a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 91% in distinguishing highly aggressive tumors. Conclusion. IR imaging reliably differentiates PCa aggressiveness, with non-overlapping RAI intervals for each group. This technique may enhance early detection and guide personalized treatment strategies.