Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for Investigation of Human Carcinoma and Leukaemia

Biological contents like carbohydrate play an important role in the composition of cells and tissues in the body. The aim of the study was to compare Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of normal and cancer tissues at different wavelengths and frequencies and to detect changes in chemical composition of these contents. A total 50 tissue samples of all types of cancer were taken: 10 were basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of skin; 10 were prostate; 10 were ovary; 10 were kidney tumour renal cell carcinoma (RCC); and 10 were leukaemia. All were collected and analysed by generating FTIR spectra in the absorbance mode, mostly in the finger print region of 950 to 1800 cm(-1). The FTIR spectra showed the characteristic differences and changes in intensities due to absorbance that indicate the potential differences in the metabolic rates of the examined samples. Important peaks are observed at wavenumbers 927, 964, 970, 982, 1041, 1078, 1141, 1299 and 1337 cm(-1), showing changes in deoxyribonucleic acid is (DNA), polysaccharides, glycogen, amide III (proteins), collagen, etc. in BCC of skin. The numerous waveform shifts in other types of cancers are also observed at different regions of spectra as results of changes in their compositions at different frequencies. We conclude that biological contents are changed in the tumours according to the type and stage of the cancer. Left-handed helix (DNA Z-form), collagen, carbohydrate, and glycogen can be used as potential biomarker in this study.