Optimized Tissue Sampling for Mass Spectrometry Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraoperative techniques for identifying tumor boundaries during cancer surgery are imprecise and time-consuming, with mass spectrometry imaging being limited by the need to scan entire tissue specimens, leading to longer data collection times compared to histology, which hinders its adoption for rapid pathology assessment.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize image data from a first imaging modality to identify regions of interest, guiding a tissue sampler to acquire samples along optimized sampling paths for mass spectrometry analysis, allowing for rapid detection of tumor boundaries and characteristics, and potentially modifying the sampling path based on mass spectrometry data for efficient data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mass spectrometry imaging is used to scan the entire tissue specimen surface, then molecular profiling capability is improved, but data collection time increases to 30-90 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tissue specimen analysis into two stages: first, a rapid low-resolution survey scan to identify regions of interest (ROI), and second, focused high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis only on those identified ROIs. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high molecular profiling capability while dramatically reducing overall analysis time by avoiding exhaustive scanning of the entire tissue surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by performing mass spectrometry analysis only on selected regions of interest rather than the complete tissue specimen. The system acquires images of the entire tissue, identifies suspicious areas using rapid imaging modalities, and then applies the time-consuming mass spectrometry technique only to those specific regions, achieving sufficient diagnostic information with reduced analysis time.
2Productivity
If conventional histology staining and microscopy is used, then complete pathology results are obtained faster, but molecular profiling resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic workflow into rapid screening using conventional histology/staining for immediate results, followed by targeted mass spectrometry analysis for enhanced molecular profiling of specific regions. This allows the system to deliver initial complete pathology results quickly while providing the option for higher resolution molecular analysis of suspicious areas without the full time penalty of comprehensive MSI.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses conventional histology staining and microscopy as an intermediary step that provides rapid initial assessment and guides subsequent mass spectrometry analysis. The histology results act as a mediator that identifies which regions require further high-resolution molecular analysis, combining the speed of conventional methods with the molecular detail of mass spectrometry.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are described herein for a system and a method for obtaining samples of tissue for analysis by mass spectrometry. A region of interest can be identified in tissue using image data from a first imaging modality that is other than mass spectrometry. At least one tissue sample can be acquired using a tissue sampler from a sampling location related to the region of interest. Mass spectrum data can be generated for the acquired tissue samples using a mass spectrometer. In some embodiments, polarimetry may be used on a tissue slice, mass spectrometry may be performed on the same tissue slice and then H&E imaging may be performed on the same tissue slice.