Developing a methodology for three-dimensional correlation of PET–CT images and whole-mount histopathology in non-small-cell lung cancer

摘要: Background: Understanding the 3-dimensional (3-D), volumetric relationship between imaging and functional or histopathological heterogeneity of tumors is a key concept in development image-guided radiotherapy. Our aim was to develop methodological framework enable reconstruction resected lung specimens containing non-small cell cancers (NSCLC), register them 3-D with diagnostic import into radiation treatment planning system. Methods Results: 12 patients were recruited investigate RPC NSCLC. PET/CT obtained before resection. Resected formalin fixed for 1-24 hours prior sectioning at 3-10 mm intervals. In order try retain their shape, embedded agar sectioning. Consecutive sections laid out photographing manually adjusted maintain shape. Following embedding tissue blocks underwent 4 m thick whole-mount staining hematoxylin eosin. Large histopathology slides used entire digitisation. The correct sequence maintained assist subsequent reconstruction. Using Adobe â Photoshop , contours placed on photographic images represent external border section, extent macroscopic disease. Sections stacked orientated . tumor then transferred MATLAB stacked, resulting surface renderings specimen gross tumor. evaluate microscopic disease, customized ‘tile-based’ commercial confocal panoramic laser scanning (TISSUEscope ) systems generate digital sections. software, disease contoured. Two methods registering pathology used. First, selected contoured, reconstructed. After importing they reconstructed, rotated rigidly registered. second method, exported software platform enabling manual registration original multiple planes. Data from this Pinnacle system DICOM format. Conclusions: There no one definitive method An innovative approach NSCLC specimens, incorporates histopathology. reconstructions can be registered modalities like CT PET