Pilot study: intra-tumor heterogeneity of lower grade glioma samples using multi-modal optical coherence microscopy

In this pilot study, a multi-modal optical coherence microscopy (OCM) and fluorescence imaging system in the visible wavelength region was utilized to investigate the intra-tumor heterogeneity of lower grade brain tumor samples. OCM intensity data derived attenuation coefficients were calculated and cell density maps were created from intensity en-face projections. Sequentially preoperatively administrated 5-ALA fluorescence intensities were evaluated using the multi-modal setup. Optical imaging data results were compared to histology-derived cell density and cell proliferation rate maps.