Optical Microscopy Imaging Contributes to Precision Oncology

Significance Precision oncology is imperative for accommodating the distinct journey of each cancer patient, which is determined by the unique genetic, molecular, and cellular profiles of individual tumors. This shift from a general treatment model to a personalized approach is driven by the recognition that each patient with cancer presents a distinct set of challenges that must be addressed to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes and prognostic accuracy. The conventional methods of cancer treatment, which typically involve generalized therapies, are deficient owing to the heterogeneity of tumors and the dynamic nature of cancer progression. The complexity of tumor biology is a multifaceted challenge that is governed by the intricate relationship among genetic mutations, epigenetic alterations, and the tumor microenvironment. Tumors are not static-they evolve through a series of genetic and epigenetic changes that enables them to evade the host's immune system and resist the effects of various treatments. The tumor microenvironment, which comprises a diverse array of cell types, extracellular matrix components, and signaling molecules, significantly affect tumor growth, metastasis, and response to therapy. This renders it difficult to develop comprehensive treatment plans that can effectively target the specific characteristics of each tumor. Optical microscopy imaging technologies have been adopted widely in precision oncology as they can address the challenges posed by the complexity of tumor biology. These technologies allow one to visualize and analyze tumor tissues and cells with high resolution, thus enabling quantitative and spatially localized analysis of genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic information. This level of detail is critical for identifying patient-specific molecular characteristics and biochemical abnormalities for developing targeted treatment strategies. The significance of optical microscopy imaging in precision oncology is manifold. First, it bridges the difference between the genomic and phenotypic aspects of cancer, thus allowing for a more nuanced understanding of tumor behavior and response to therapy. Second, it enables the identification of biomarkers that can predict treatment response, thus providing guidance in selecting the most appropriate treatments for individual patients. Third, the non-invasive nature of these imaging techniques allows for the repeated monitoring of tumor progression and response to treatment, thereby facilitating real-time adjustments to treatment strategies as necessary. The potential of optical microscopy imaging to transform cancer treatment is substantial. By providing detailed, patient-specific information, these imaging techniques can facilitate the development of more effective and less-toxic treatment regimens. This personalized approach can improve patient outcomes by increasing the efficacy of therapies and reducing the incidence of adverse effects. Furthermore, the ability to monitor treatment response in real time can facilitate more informed clinical decision-making, thus potentially improving the overall survival rates and quality of life of patients with cancer. In conclusion, the integration of optical microscopy imaging into precision oncology is a significant advancement in cancer treatment. Optical microscopy imaging technologies are effective for understanding the complex biology of tumors and for guiding the development of personalized treatment strategies. As research in this field continues to progress, the potential for optical microscopy imaging to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment will be immense, thus affording more targeted therapies and better patient outcomes in the future. The continued evolution of these technologies is crucial for bridging the disparity between genomic research and clinical practice, thus ultimately resulting in more effective and personalized cancer treatments. Progress Optical microscopy imaging techniques have progressed significantly in the field of precision oncology and can provide a comprehensive view of tumor characteristics. Auto-fluorescence ( AF) imaging has been utilized to monitor metabolic activities within tumors and offers label-free insights into drug responses and cellular metabolism (Fig. 5). Second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging has been pivotal for analyzing the extracellular matrix (ECM), particularly collagen fiber organization, which is crucial for understanding tumor invasion and metastasis (Fig. 7). Coherent Raman scattering (CRS), in particular stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), has emerged as an effective tool for imaging tumor metabolites without requiring labels. SRS has been instrumental in revealing metabolic heterogeneity, which is vital for identifying therapeutic targets and understanding cancer-cell metabolism (Fig. 8). Mid-infrared photothermal (MIP) imaging has demonstrated its potential in assessing drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics by imaging the distribution of drugs within cells and tissues at a deep cellular level (Fig. 9). Furthermore, multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) have been employed for immunophenotyping (Fig. 4) and genetic analysis (Fig. 6), respectively, to characterize the immune microenvironment and detect gene amplifications. These techniques, as summarized in Table 1, collectively contribute to the increasing number of tools available for the characterization of tumors and the optimization of targeted therapies, thus ultimately improving patient outcomes in cancer treatment. Conclusions and Prospects Optical microscopy imaging is becoming essential in precision oncology as it allows one to understand the relationship between tumor genetics and phenotypes. As the field progresses, the integration of these imaging techniques into clinical settings will become more evident, which will significantly improve cancer diagnostics and treatment. Future studies shall be conducted to render this technology more accessible by reducing equipment costs and enhancing imaging methodologies, thereby solidifying its key role in precision oncology.