Advanced imaging techniques for tumor intraoperative navigation imaging

Abstract

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, with surgical resection being a fundamental element of treatment. However, early detection and precise tumor resection are critical for improving survival and minimizing recurrence. Conventional imaging techniques face limitations in resolution, real-time feedback, and tissue differentiation, often leading to imprecise resection. Recent advancements in intraoperative imaging technologies have gradually addressed these challenges. Fluorescence imaging offers superior tissue penetration, enhanced signal-to-noise ratio, and resilience under a surgical environment, making it ideal for real-time tissue and lymph node detection. Targeted molecular probes and advanced fluorescence techniques further enhance tumor specificity. Modalities like photoacoustic and Raman spectroscopy provide complementary insights, while three-dimensional reconstruction and multimodal systems improve anatomical precision. Early clinical studies demonstrate these technologies’ high sensitivity and clinical feasibility in tumor detection and margin assessment. Integrating artificial intelligence and personalized medicine into intraoperative imaging holds promise for further refining these techniques, leading to more tailored and effective interventions. This review provides an overview of the evolution and clinical practice of novel intraoperative imaging technologies, highlighting their superiority over traditional methods and outlining the future research directions in this rapidly advancing field.