Researchers develop an innovative endoscopy system and successfully test it for the first time in a clinical study.

Until now, bladder cancer has usually been diagnosed by removing tissue and then performing a histopathological examination—a proven but time-consuming standard procedure. A novel method could significantly speed up this process in the future: Raman spectroscopy. This optical method makes it possible to distinguish cancerous tissue from healthy tissue without additional markers.

The group led by Ines Latka developed a special endoscopic system – the invaScope – and tested it in a clinical feasibility study with 21 patients. For the first time, Raman spectra images of healthy and tumor-affected bladder tissue were taken during surgery. The results were then compared with established histopathological examinations.

Particularly noteworthy is that the entire project was implemented in accordance with the strict European Medical Device Regulation (MDR 2017/745). The study thus demonstrates not only the diagnostic benefits of Raman spectroscopy, but also how new technologies can be introduced into clinical practice in accordance with regulatory requirements.

The present results demonstrate the feasibility and potential of the method to reduce the number of biopsies in the future and to make the diagnosis of bladder cancer faster and less invasive for patients.

We would like to congratulate Ines Latka and everyone involved on this groundbreaking publication and the significant step toward the clinical application of Raman spectroscopy!

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• Journal: Cancer