Next Generation Biophotonics Technologies for Clinical Applications in Detecting Gastric Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Gastric cancer (GC) is a major global health concern, ranking as the fifth most common malignancy and one of the leading causes of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. This comprehensive review centers on the progress in biophotonics technologies for the early detection of GC over the last decade, aiming to address the constraints posed by traditional endoscopic tools and proteomics analytical methods for the detection. Herein, an array of diverse techniques such as, narrow band imaging, confocal laser endomicroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, optical coherence tomography, polarization optical spectroscopy and other technologies are reviewed and their relative merits and demerits for GC detection and diagnosis are provided by comparing their sensitivity, ease of use, and methodology in operation. This paper explores the advancements and future perspectives of technical improvements needed in biophotonics technologies for the early detection of GC. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and validation studies, biophotonics technologies are envisioned to deliver the full spectrum of benefits for all stakeholders. This is anticipated to bring about a significant improvement in the early detection of GC with the potential for widespread clinical adoption.