Published online Mar 10, 2016. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v8.i5.273
Peer-review started: October 1, 2015
First decision: November 30, 2015
Revised: December 16, 2015
Accepted: January 8, 2016
Article in press: January 11, 2016
Published online: March 10, 2016
Processing time: 190 Days and 3.8 Hours
Raman spectroscopy is a spectroscopic technique based on the inelastic scattering of monochromatic light that represents the molecular composition of the interrogated volume to provide a direct molecular fingerprint. Several investigations have revealed that confocal Raman spectroscopy can differentiate non-dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus from esophageal high-grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma with high sensitivity and specificity. An automated on-line Raman spectral diagnostic system has made it possible to use Raman spectroscopy to guide accurate target biopsy instead of multiple random forceps-biopsies, this novel system is expected to improve in vivo precancerous diagnosis and tissue characterization of Barrett’s esophagus.
Core tip: Raman spectroscopy is a very sensitive tool to detect subtle biochemical and molecular changes, which is crucial for differentiating nondysplastic from high-grade dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus. With an increased accuracy of updated algorithms and a real time automatic analysis system, Raman spectroscopy is expected to improve in vivo precancerous diagnosis and tissue characterization of Barrett’s esophagus.