Scientists hail breakthrough on 3D images of tissue disease

The technique, devised by computing and medical experts at Leeds University, enables researchers to examine clear images of samples, including blood vessels and tumours, which can be rotated and examined from any angle.

It could replace existing methods which involve experts having to cut tissue samples into ultra-thin slices before examining them by hand on slides through a microscope – a device which remains one of the most important in medicine despite little advances in its capabilities since the 1920s – which is both highly labour-intensive and limited by the time available.

The alternative approach uses the latest computer technology to turn samples into high-quality digital images.

Pictures can be examined in three dimensions and researchers can zoom in on particular areas of interest.

The images are already revealing more about disease processes and could in future be used to develop new therapies or explain why conventional treatments are not working. They could also play a future role in the clinical practice of doctors.

Advances include allowing biologists to study the structure of developing organs, cancer specialists to study the branching of blood vessels supplying a tumour, and liver specialists to better understand how the organ reacts to damage caused by hepatitis C.

Pathologist Darren Treanor, who is lead investigator on the project, said: “Up until now, the use of 3D imaging technology to study disease has been limited because of low resolution, and the time and difficulty associated with acquiring large numbers of images with a microscope. Our virtual system means that users can look at the shape and structure of cells and the ‘micro-architecture’ of blood vessels and tumours on large tissue samples.”

Derek Magee, of the university’s school of computing who developed the software behind the hi-tech system, said: “Having a 3D view can often make a real difference.

“For instance, if you want to understand how a system of blood vessels supplying a tumour connects up, you really need to see that in 3D, not as a series of separate 2D sections.”

The researchers have tested the system on eight different types of tissue to create around 400 separate images.

The system and selected case studies, including examples of liver disease, cancer and embryology, have been detailed in the May edition of the authoritative American Journal of Pathology.

The work has been funded by the National Cancer Research Institute informatics initiative, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust’s research and development, the National Institute for Health Research, West Yorkshire Comprehensive Local Research Network and the Department of Health.

[email protected]