Fast fiber-optic IR spectroscopy for the identification and differentiation of liver tumors

Prof. Dr. Valdas Šablinskas

Fiber-based infrared (IR) spectroscopy can be used to obtain molecular signatures of cells and tissue, which enable pathologies to be identified and differentiated. The aim is to register and classify spectra of freshly resected liver tumor tissue. The measurements are carried out directly in the operating room during the operation. The project also aims to clarify whether subtypes such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCC) or metastasis from other tumor entities can be identified.

Three workshops are planned.

1^st workshop: Kick-off meeting, Vilnius University

The main purpose of the workshop is to coordinate the project work, to discuss the first scientific results of the project and to plan the measurement procedure in Dresden as well as the handling of the data.

• Date: April 7-11, 2025.
• Speaker: project leader Prof. Dr. Valdas Šablinskas, (LT), Dr. Rimantė Bandzevičiūtė (LT), Dr. Christian Teske (GE), Prof. Gerald Steiner (GE)
• Workshop type: Open for general public

2^nd workshop: Interim conference, TU Dresden

The conference will be held to identify obstacles in spectra acquisition, interpretation and analysis of data, discussion on evaluation.

• Date: 05/2025
• Speaker: project leader Prof. Dr. Valdas Šablinskas, (LT), Dr. Rimantė Bandzevičiūtė (LT), Prof. Gerald Steiner (GE), additionally medical doctorate candidates will present their spectra and data workflow.
• Workshop type: Open for general public

3^rd workshop: Project conclusion, Vilnius University

The results achieved will be evaluated and discussed among cooperation members. If the results are positive, a joint publication will be planned.

• Date: 10/2025
• Speaker: project leader: Prof. Dr. Valdas Šablinskas, (LT), Dr. Christian Teske (GE), Prof. Gerald Steiner (GE), Dr. Grit Preuss (GE), Anne Wedemann (GE)
• Workshop type: Open for general public

Direct:  The direct target group of the project are patients with liver tumor/metastasis – 100 people per year.

Indirect: Indirect targets are also patients with other diseases, especially inflammatory/ benign processes – 40 people per year.