Multiparametric Photoacoustic Imaging in the Course of Radiation Therapy of Malignant Head and Neck Tumors

Multispectral photoacoustic imaging enables the measurement of the optical absorption of various tissue components or exogenous contrast agents in vivo. The dominant, near infrared absorbing chromophores in human tissue are oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin followed by collagen, melanin and lipids. The multispectral measurement of the absorption of hemoglobin shows changes in blood oxygen saturation and blood volume. The high resolution of photoacoustic imaging also enables the vascular structure to be displayed. The aim of this exploratory study is to generate hypotheses by applying photoacoustic imaging to the field of head and neck tumor therapy. The next step is to investigate whether and how photoacoustic imaging can help improve diagnostics and better planning of treatments in the future. In particular, the differences between normal and tumor tissue and the changes in the tissue due to radiation therapy using photoacoustic imaging are examined. In the quantitative analysis of the images, measured chromophores, primarily oxygen saturation, blood volume and collagen concentrations at different measuring points are used in the course of the therapy.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Willingness and ability to participate
2. sufficient knowledge of German to understand the patient / subject information and the declaration of consent,
3. tumor disease to be treated by radiotherapy in the neck and neck area,
4. Completed wound healing after operative interventions in the head and neck area,
5. The patient's consent and written consent,
6. the patient's ability to assess the nature and scope as well as possible consequences of the clinical study,

8\. Age ≥ 18 years.

Requirement 3 does not apply to the control group of healthy subjects

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pre-radiation in the head and neck area
* Inadequate regression of toxicities from previous therapies
* Indications that the participant is unlikely to adhere to the study protocol (e.g. lack of compliance)
* Missing written declaration of consent