ESMI Study Group on "Intra-Operative Imaging - IOI"

Scope, relevance, and goals

The ESMI study group Intra-Operative Imaging focuses on the surgical optical imaging of cancer. Surgical decision making is still mostly based on the physicians vision and experience, however studies show that oncological surgical procedures often lack accuracy and completeness. Improvements in the resection technique are therefore highly sought to improve survival, decrease functional loss, and increase the quality of life of the patient.


We believe that surgical vision enhanced by molecular imaging has the potential to shape the future of surgical procedures by improving the sensitivity, accuracy and contrast of tumor delineation and lymph node interrogation. [...]

 

The study group aims to further advance the development and clinical translation of (such) probes, as well as the corresponding imaging modalities from intra-operative or endoscopic use. This encompasses the development of imaging systems that are able to acquire and process multispectral and possibly multi-modal information in real-time and are adapted to the clinical needs.


We aim to develop advanced molecular imaging techniques and translate them into clinical practice. Meeting the need for improved contrast in tumor visualisation will help to improve surgical and endoscopic procedures and hence the patient’s health.

 

read the entire outline on the scope and relevance of the IOI Study Group

NIRF signal observed during the sentinel lymph node procedure in a breast cancer patient. Color image as seen by the surgeon (A). Normalized fluorescence signal (B). Fluorescence signal converted into pseudocolor (green) and superimposed on figure A for anatomical positioning of the signal (C) - Crane 2010