Jennifer Barton Ph.D.

Professor; Assistant Director, BIO5 Institute

Publication:

Korde VR, Bonnema GT, Xu W, Krishnamurthy C, Ranger-Moore J, Saboda K, Slayton LD, Salasche SJ, Warneke JA, Alberts DS, Barton JK. Oct 2007. Using optical coherence tomography to evaluate skin sun damage and precancer. Lasers Surg Med, 39:687-95

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a depth resolved imaging modality that may aid in identifying sun damaged skin and the precancerous condition actinic keratosis (AK). STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: OCT images were acquired of 112 patients at 2 sun protected and 2 sun exposed sites, with a subsequent biopsy. Each site received a dermatological evaluation, a histological diagnosis, and a solar elastosis (SE) score. OCT images were examined visually and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Characteristic OCT image features were identified of sun protected, undiseased, sun damaged, and AK skin. A statistically significant difference (P<0.0001) between the average attenuation values of skin with minimal and severe solar elastosis was observed. Significant differences (P<0.0001) were also found between undiseased skin and AK using a gradient analysis. Using image features, AK could be distinguished from undiseased skin with 86% sensitivity and 83% specificity. CONCLUSION: OCT has the potential to guide biopsies and provide non-invasive measures of skin sun damage and disease state, possibly increasing efficiency of chemopreventive agent trials.

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