Irving Bigio

Monitoring Response of Tumor Cells to Treatment Using Optical Spectroscopy

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
By measuring the spectrum of light scattered back from tumor cells, changes in the nano-scale structures in the cells can provide early indications of response to chemotherapy agents. In this project, the student will develop 3-dimensional cultures of tumor cells, and then use an optical scattering spectroscopy system to measure the changes in the backscattered spectrum from the cell cultures. By analyzing changes in the optical spectrum at a series of time point following administration of chemotherapy agents, the rate of spectral changes can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for various drugs and dosages.

LEARNING GOALS
Understanding some of the hallmarks of cancer at the cellular and sub-cellular levels

Understanding how backscattered light can provide spectral information about the sub-cellular structures, and their changes as a result of cancer, and treatment for cancer.

Optical instrumentation for spectroscopy and optical measurements on tissue-mimicking phantoms

Statistical analysis of experimental data

Learn more about Professor Bigio’s research on his lab website.