Researchers in Germany and Austria have developed a dual-imaging endoscopy capsule technique, dubbed O2E, that more accurately detects precancerous and cancerous changes in the esophagus. The team includes scientists from Helmholtz Munich, the Technical University of Munich and the Medical University of Vienna, according to an Aug.19 newsletter from Wiley Analytical Science, citing an article published in Nature Biomedical Engineering.
O2E combines optical coherence tomography with optoacoustic imaging to generate detailed 3D views of tissue structure and blood vessels. In pilot studies, the system distinguished healthy, precancerous and malignant tissue, showing potential to improve early detection rates for a disease often diagnosed late.
The EU-funded project will advance the capsule for human use, with plans to integrate confocal endo-microscopy for real-time cellular imaging. Researchers believe the technology could reduce biopsies, improve survival rates and lower treatment costs.
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