Terahertz technology applications in glioma diagnosis: From histological classification to molecular typing

Abstract

Terahertz wave is an electromagnetic wave, whose wavelength is located between microwave wavelength and infrared wavelength. Based on low ionization and fingerprint characteristics, it has great potential applications in biomedical field, especially in the intraoperative localization and qualitative diagnosis of tumors. Glioma is the most urgent tumor for positioning qualitative diagnosis. Owing to its invasiveness and heterogeneity, it is easy to relapse after resection and has a significant influence on the nerve function of adjacent brain regions. Therefore, rapid determination of tumor boundary and pathological characteristics is an important prerequisite for accurate diagnosis, treatment and clinical research of glioma. Here, we summarize the biophysical technology of glioma diagnosis, and expound the new technique of terahertz wave and its research results in diagnosis of glioma. Furthermore, based on the research progress of integrated diagnosis of glioma histopathology and molecular pathology, we propose a hypothesis that different molecular subtypes of tumor tissue may have a consistent 'differential terahertz wave protein composition' of terahertz tumor subtype recognition mechanism. Finally, combining the biological characteristics of brain tissue and the potential of glioma marker detection in body fluids, we discuss the clinical application model and prospects of terahertz technologies in glioma detection.