The research network "Exprimage" wants to introduce new parameters into cancer diagnosis. Through the combination of different innovative methods, such as digital microscopy, automatic image analysis, Raman spectroscopy and optical elasticity measurement of cells, scientists want to obtain various data that will ideally describe the seat of a cancer so accurately that it is possible to predict how it will develop. 

Among others, the Department of Physical Chemistry at Jena University, Hamburg-Eppendorf University Clinic, Definiens AG, Quagen GmbH and Zeiss AG are participating in the project, which started last August and is expected run for three years. "Exprimage" thus sees itself as a prime example of close cooperation between physicians, natural scientists and engineers. Ten million euros from public and private sources will be invested in the project.

The idea behind the research network is to record as many different physical and chemical parameters as possible to obtain a multimodal picture of the respective cancer. This diagnostic data will help personalize therapeutic concepts more in future.

In terms of the methodology, on the one hand, traditional tissue pathology will be further developed using digital microscopy and automatic image analysis. Diseased tissue is first marked with a fluorescent coloring. While in the past it was only possible to observe small sections of this tissue under the microscope, now with the help of new methods scientists are able to scan two to three centimeter sections and see them as 2-D images. The scientists' aim is to discover how the cancer tissue propagates.

To obtain morphological and molecular information, optical elasticity measurement of cells and Raman spectroscopy are also used. Measuring the elasticity of cells helps define which stage the cancer is in. With the help of Raman spectroscopy it is possible to observe changes in the morphology of a sample, to understand these changes from a chemical aspect and to interpret them.

While Eppendorf University Clinic supplies the anonymous samples, Jena University participates in the process based on Raman spectroscopy. Zeiss and Definiens mark and count the cell nuclei. Quagen produces new markers that allow more information about the biochemistry of the samples to be obtained.

In terms of the current development status, the researchers are currently involved in developing suitable technologies that will enable them to record large numbers of tissue sections. The aim is to analyze and evaluate a total of 80,000 preparations. Through the integrative research approach of "Exprimage" experts and also the companies involved expect to gain a significant increase in knowledge.

Chemist Dr. Petra Rösch from the Department of Physical Chemistry at Jena University prepares a sample for measurement using Raman spectroscopy.
Photo: Copyright: Jena University