Application of synchrotron radiation in otolaryngology: from atomic morphology to translational studies of laryngeal cancer
Doctoral School of Medical, University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
Department of Laryngology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
Department of Biotechnology and Nutrigenomics, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Poland
Department of Medical Sciences, Wladyslaw Bieganski Collegium Medicum Jan Dlugosz University, Czestochowa, Poland
Faculty of Science and Technology, A. Chełkowski Institute of Physics in Chorzow, University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
National Synchrotron Radiation Centre SOLARIS, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
Introduction
Synchrotron radiation enables precise imaging of biological structures at the subcellular level, providing insight into both elemental composition and chemical properties. Increasing evidence suggests that its application in otolaryngology – particularly in the diagnosis of laryngeal cancer – may offer valuable support to existing diagnostic methods and deserves further development and implementation in translational research.
Aim of the research
To evaluate the potential of synchrotron X-ray radiation in otolaryngology based on a literature review and to present findings from a pilot study using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) in laryngeal cancer samples.
Material and methods
A literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines using databases such as PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar. Experimental studies were carried out at the SOLARIS National Synchrotron Radiation Centre on samples of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma using XAS (TEY and TFY modes) and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) for elemental mapping.
Results
The review confirmed the effectiveness of synchrotron-based techniques (XAS, STXM, µXRF) in subcellular imaging. In the examined cancer samples, a predominance of Fe³⁺ was observed, indicating oxidative stress. STXM imaging revealed heterogeneous distribution of elements (C, N, O, Fe), reflecting the biochemical complexity of the tumour. Synchrotron techniques enable the assessment of iron redox alterations as potential cancer biomarkers. They support early diagnosis and expand our understanding of tumour pathophysiology.
Conclusions
The presented findings highlight the need for further research to facilitate the clinical translation of these methods.
Keywords
synchrotron radiation, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, laryngeal cancer, oxidative stress, subcellular imaging
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