Raman Spectroscopy for Liver Tumours Following Liver Surgery

In this proposal, investigators will investigate the ability of RS to distinguish between normal versus cancer in tissue blocks following liver surgery. If successful, this technique can then be investigated for intra-operative assessment efficacy to ensure that the resection margin of the tumour is clear (free of tumour cells), enabling this powerful procedure to be applied to all patients undergoing liver surgery for highest standard of care. This device is an early concept development of an In-Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device.

In this project investigators will answer the following two questions:

• Can Raman spectroscopy discriminate between healthy tissue and colorectal liver metastases? If yes, with what accuracy?
• How fast can a Raman spectroscopy image of a tissue section be built? The success of this research will lead to a significant improvement in the quality and efficiency of liver surgery for colorectal liver metastases as it will allow all patients undergoing surgery to benefit from the best treatment available to ensure resection margins are clear. Making the best techniques more widely available to all patients who need them reduces inequality in healthcare.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients undergoing surgery for liver tumours (colorectal liver metastases).
• Able to give informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients where there is any doubt regarding the diagnosis from pathologist as ascertained by previous diagnostic biopsy.