OCT-AF Imaging of Pre-cancers of Vulva and Cervix

The multimodal optical imaging technology, OCT-AFI, has demonstrated the ability to image the small peripheral airways of the lung, allowing for high resolution of structural and functional details of airway tissue and the vasculature. Through the OCT (optical coherence tomography) component, the bronchial epithelium can be visualized and its thickness quantifiable. Micro invasion of the basement membrane can be seen in the acquired images. The AFI (autofluorescence imaging) component showed the vascular network, areas of pulmonary fibrosis and areas with loss of endogenous fluorescence beside pulmonary nodules.

The investigators anticipate OCT-AFI to be able to see subsurface structures in the cervix and vulva as well. Through previous work, the investigators found AFI to be sensitive to detecting high grade cervical lesions but the technology was confounded by normal subsurface tissue structures. By combining OCT with AFI, the investigators anticipate a higher sensitivity to detecting high grade lesions on the cervix than with just AFI. The OCT-AFI imaging probe is also small enough to fit into the endocervical canal and will allow for imaging of neoplasias that originate in the canal. These abnormalities are on the rise. Vulvar neoplasias are also on the rise and visually difficult to identify and determine surgical margins. OCT-AFI may help clinicians locate and determine the extent of vulvar lesions.

The objectives are to determine

1. feasibility of the technology in imaging vulva and its capability in detecting carcinoma and vulvar intraepithelial neoplasias
2. feasibility in imaging complete cervix from endocervical canal to transformation zone to ectocervix
3. if combined OCT with AFI increases the sensitivity of detecting high grade lesions in the cervix compared to just AFI alone (previous work was AFI alone).

This study will image 10 subjects for endocervical canal and ectocervix sites. Another 10 subjects will be imaged for vulvar sites. Imaging will not affect where standard of care biopsies will be taken from. Imaging results will be correlated with histology.

No statistical analysis will be performed. This feasibility study will look at the quality and utility of the acquired image sets. If possible, the investigators will quantify the images in terms of epithelium thickness, basement membrane location, presence of vasculature and sub-epithelial structures.

• OCT-AFI (Device), also known as Multimodal imaging: Both groups will be imaged with the OCT-AFI device. Imaging will not influence standard of care biospies, treatment and procedures.

Primary outcomes

• Determine ease of use of OCT-AFI in imaging cervix or vulva lesions. [Total imaging session of cervix and canal or vulva should take no more than 5 minutes]: The ability to image complete cervix including endocervical canal or vulvar lesions in one continuous imaging run will indicate the device is feasible for use in the clinical setting for cervix and vulva. Note whether a complete image scan was collected or not after each imaging session.

Secondary outcomes

• Correlate OCT-AFI images with histology images [6 months]: Correlate sub-epithelial structures seen in OCT-AFI with histology images
• Quantify OCT-AFI images by examining epithelial thickness [6 months]: Measure epithelial thickness along entire scanned image. Units of measure in millimeters.
• Locate basement membrane invasion and loss of normal endogenous fluorescence [6 months]: Locate basement membrane in OCT-AFI images and note presence or absence of invasion. Note presence or absence of fluorescence in epithelial layer in images.
• Note extent of vasculature and its features [6 months]: Make notes regarding vasculature patterns seen in the OCT-AFI images.

Sex: Female, ages: 18 Years to any

Inclusion Criteria:

* indicates understanding of study
* provides informed consent to participate
* 18 years or older
* not pregnant and have negative urine pregnancy test
* be scheduled for initial visit colposcopy for cervix or vulva or LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) for treatment of abnormalities on cervix at the Women's Clinic at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH)

Exclusion Criteria:

* breastfeeding

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• Calum MacAulay, Ph.D., Principal investigator, British Columbia Cancer Agency