A new scientific approach developed at Japão promises to transform the diagnosis of intraepithelial neoplasias, offering a non-invasive alternative for detecting cancer cells. The study, conducted by a team from Universidade Kitasato, validated the use of an imaging technology based on circular polarization dispersion, known by the acronym CiPLS. The discovery was detailed in a scientific publication in Journal of Biomedical Optics on February 6, 2026.
The innovative method makes it possible to identify dysplastic tissues located in deeper layers of the cervical epithelium, something that traditional superficial examinations often cannot achieve accurately without surgical procedures. The technique uses light to differentiate abnormal cellular structures, eliminating the need for chemical dyes or physical tissue removal at this stage of diagnosis.
Research highlights that cervical cancer generally evolves from cervical intraepithelial neoplasias, called CIN. Detectar These changes in the early stages are essential for the success of the treatment, but the lesions may be hidden beneath the surface of the tissue, making direct visualization difficult.
How optical technology works
CiPLS technology operates by emitting circularly polarized light that interacts with biological tissues. Quando this light reaches cells with dysplasia, which have enlarged nuclei characteristic of precancerous processes, the light scattering pattern changes in a specific way. The system measures the degree of circular polarization, technically identified as DOCP, to map these changes.
The tests carried out demonstrated that larger cell nuclei, typical of diseased cells, change the polarization of light in a different way than the nuclei of healthy cells, which are smaller. Essa difference allows the equipment to create a clear contrast between healthy tissue and the lesion, functioning as a depth map of cellular health.
To validate the effectiveness of the method, scientists used phantom models that simulate the optical and structural properties of human tissue. Simulations confirmed that light can penetrate and return with reliable data up to 2 millimeters deep. Isso is sufficient to cover the entire thickness of the cervical epithelium, which varies between 0.3 and 0.7 millimeters, ensuring complete analysis of the region where CIN lesions usually develop.
Advantages over traditional methods
Currently, definitive diagnosis often requires biopsies, which are invasive procedures and can cause significant discomfort to patients. The new optical technique appears as a solution capable of reducing the anxiety and pain associated with complex gynecological exams, as it does not require scraping or cutting of tissue for an initial in-depth assessment.
In addition to comfort, quick results are an important differentiator. Enquanto traditional pathological analysis requires time for laboratory processing, CiPLS technology has the potential to provide real-time data during the consultation. Isso could accelerate clinical decision making and initiation of preventive treatments.
Development and financing
The study explored the use of different wavelengths of light, specifically 617 nm and 850 nm. Foi observed that longer wavelengths are able to penetrate deeper into the tissue, maintaining the accuracy of the DOCP measurement. Essa characteristic is crucial to ensure that hidden lesions in the basal layers of the epithelium do not go unnoticed.
The research was made possible by financial support from grants from JSPS KAKENHI and research programs from Universidade Kitasato. The project involved a multidisciplinary collaboration between the departments of Física and the schools of Medicina and Saúde Aliada, combining knowledge of physical optics and clinical pathology to develop the device.
The team’s next steps include carrying out clinical tests with real patients to confirm the data obtained in the simulations. The expectation is that, in the future, this technology can be incorporated into compact or wearable medical devices, facilitating access to early and accurate diagnosis of cervical cancer.