A proof-of-concept study for precise mapping of pigmented basal cell carcinoma in asian skin using multispectral optoacoustic tomography imaging with level set segmentation

A proof-of-concept study for precise mapping of pigmented basal cell carcinoma in asian skin using multispectral optoacoustic tomography imaging with level set segmentation

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

10.1007/s00259-025-07072-x

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-025-07072-x

Xiuting Li, Valerie Xinhui Teo, Cheng Yi Kwa, Amalina Binte Ebrahim Attia, Renzhe Bi, Sai Yee Chuah, Melissa Wee Ping Tan, Hui Yi Chia, Sze Hon Chua, Joyce Xiong See Lee, Suzanne Wei Na Cheng, U. S. Dinish, Steven Tien Guan Thng, Malini Olivo

24 January 2025

Li, X., Teo, V. X., Kwa, C. Y., Ebrahim Attia, A. B., Bi, R., Chuah, S. Y., Tan, M. W. P., Chia, H. Y., Chua, S. H., Lee, J. X. S., Cheng, S. W. N., Dinish, U. S., Thng, S. T. G., & Olivo, M. (2025). A proof-of-concept study for precise mapping of pigmented basal cell carcinoma in asian skin using multispectral optoacoustic tomography imaging with level set segmentation. European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-025-07072-x

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), the most common subtype of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), is prevalent worldwide and poses significant challenges due to their increasing incidence and complex treatment considerations. Existing clinical approaches, such as Mohs micrographic surgery, are time-consuming and labour-intensive, requiring meticulous layer-by-layer excision and examination, which can significantly extend the duration of the procedure. Current optical imaging solutions also lack the necessary spatial resolution, penetration depth, and contrast for effective clinical use. Methods Here, we introduce photoacoustic imaging, also known as optoacoustic imaging, based Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT) as a promising solution for non-invasive, high-resolution imaging in dermatology, which also measures hemodynamic changes. MSOT offers high isotropic resolution (80 μm), increased tissue penetration, and contrastenhanced 3D spatial imaging map. For the first time, we integrated an automated level set image segmentation methodology on optoacoustic images to further enhance the precision in delineating tumor boundaries. Through this proof-of-concept study in 30 subjects, we demonstrate that this segmentation allows for precise measurement of tumor width, depth, and volume, aiding in preoperative tumor mapping and surgical planning. Results The MSOT measurements, validated against histology, achieved a correlation coefficient of 0.84 and 0.81 for width and depth respectively, ensuring reliable tumor metrics with a low margin of error. Conclusion Clinicians can use these tumor metrics to optimize treatment efficacy, while preserving healthy tissue and cosmetic outcomes. This advancement has the potential to revolutionize diagnostics and treatment, significantly improving the patient outcomes in managing NMSC.

Publisher Copyright

This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research - Industry Alignment Fund - Pre-Positioning
Grant Reference no. : H19H6a0025

This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research - Biomedical Research Council - Central Research Fund 2024
Grant Reference no. :

This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. The final authenticated version is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00259-025-07072-x

https://oar.a-star.edu.sg/communities-collections/articles/21684

1619-7070
1619-7089

A*STAR Skin Research Labs