Vibrational Spectrophotometry: A Comprehensive Review on the Diagnosis of Gastric and Liver Cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Infrared and Raman spectroscopy have emerged as promising diagnostic tools for gastric and liver cancer, offering significant advantages over traditional histology and biomarker- based methods. Methods: These spectroscopic techniques provide rapid and highly specific molecular fingerprinting with minimal sample preparation, enabling real-time diagnosis and preserving samples for further analysis. The integration of nanoparticles, particularly in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, enhances the sensitivity and resolution of the method by amplifying signal strengths through localized surface plasmon resonances. This advancement facilitates the detection of subtle molecular changes associated with cancer, even at early stages. Results: Raman spectroscopy, a non-destructive technique, can differentiate between healthy and malignant cells, aiding in the diagnosis of various gastric cancer forms, including adenocarcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Similarly, IR spectroscopy provides insights into the chemical composition of tissues, detecting molecular changes associated with cancer. For liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma, these spectroscopic methods reveal biochemical alterations, facilitating early detection and characterization of the disease. This review explores the application of Raman and IR spectroscopy in diagnosing gastric and liver cancers, emphasizing their potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes by identifying molecular changes linked to malignancies. Conclusion: Overall, the integration of nanoparticles into spectroscopic techniques holds significant potential for improving the accuracy, speed, and efficacy of cancer diagnostics.