Innovative LED Hyperspectral Imaging System Promises Enhanced Cancer Detection During Endoscopy

Gastrointestinal cancers continue to be a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although endoscopy has been a vital tool for early detection and diagnosis, it still misses approximately 8% to 11% of tumors due to limitations in visibility. Recent advancements involve the development of a cutting-edge imaging system that could significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of cancer detection during endoscopic procedures.

This new approach, detailed in the Journal of Medical Imaging, combines advanced light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with hyperspectral imaging technology to generate detailed tissue maps that are not perceivable with standard endoscopic cameras. Unlike conventional endoscopy that captures broad red, green, and blue images, hyperspectral imaging records data across numerous narrow wavelength bands, including parts beyond the visible spectrum. This enables the detection of subtle biochemical changes in tissues, which produce unique spectral signatures indicative of cancerous transformations.

The research, led by Dr. Baowei Fei at the University of Texas at Dallas, involved designing and testing a prototype system equipped with an array of 18 LEDs that emit light at different wavelengths from 405 to 910 nanometers. During testing, the system captured hyperspectral data from both normal and malignant tissues obtained during surgery. The team assessed how various imaging conditions affected data quality and compared their results to those from a traditional hyperspectral camera, finding comparable performance with added advantages.

Results demonstrated that the LED-based prototype could acquire hyperspectral signatures effectively, achieving over 10 datasets per second, approaching real-time imaging speeds needed for practical clinical use. Dr. Naeeme Modir, the first author, emphasized that this approach offers a promising pathway for high-speed, high-quality hyperspectral imaging within a compact form factor. The system's ability to place LEDs directly at the endoscope tip enhances space efficiency and allows individual adjustment of LED intensities, reducing risks of overexposure and noise.

A key benefit over existing technologies is the elimination of fiber optic bundles, which traditionally limit the space within the endoscope’s working channel. The new design keeps the illumination source at the tip, freeing space for surgical instruments and other tools. Additionally, the capability to sequentially illuminate tissues at specific wavelengths enables faster imaging without sacrificing spectral detail, crucial for early cancer detection.

The compact design uses micro-LED technology—tiny LEDs smaller than 400 micrometers—that can be integrated into the endoscope’s tip, allowing for dozens of spectral channels without increasing size. This personalized spectral selection could lead to more precise identification of cancerous tissues, potentially transforming diagnostic accuracy.

While still in the prototype stage, the technology shows promise for further development toward clinical practice. Future research aims to refine the system, improve imaging speed, and validate its effectiveness across various tissue types and cancer forms. Ultimately, LED-based hyperspectral endoscopy could reduce missed tumors, facilitate real-time tissue assessment, and minimize unnecessary tissue removal, marking a significant leap forward in gastrointestinal cancer diagnostics.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-based-imaging-cancer-endoscopy.html