THUAS Contributes to Innovative Research into Skin Cancer Detection

The NextDeLights research project has received an NWO-KIC grant from the NWO (Dutch Research Council) within the research programme “Toekomstige Optische Breedbandsystemen” (Future Optical Broadband Systems). NextDeLights (Next generation light sources and detectors for imaging and spectroscopy) aims to develop advanced light sources and detectors, which are subsequently integrated into new devices for spectral imaging and optical coherence tomography. The primary objective lies within healthcare: improving the early detection and diagnosis of skin cancer.

Early Detection of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the Netherlands and the number of cases continues to rise, particularly in coastal regions. Early detection of suspicious skin abnormalities contributes to a better prognosis and lower healthcare costs.

Within the NextDeLights project, researchers are developing improved screening methods using spectral imaging (SI) and more accurate skin cancer diagnostics using optical coherence tomography (OCT). This work is carried out in collaboration with the Department of Dermatology at Erasmus MC.

Collaboration within Medical Delta 

NextDeLights contributes to the Medical Delta programme 'Diagnostiek van kanker voor duurzame zorg (CARES)’ (Cancer diagnostics for sustainable care). Within this programme, researchers from TU Delft, The Hague University of Applied Sciences and Erasmus MC collaborate with businesses. These businesses develop new light sources and detectors, which are further refined by researchers and integrated into devices for spectral imaging and optical coherence tomography. 

The new devices developed within this project are applied in healthcare. However, the light sources, detectors and imaging technologies also have potential beyond healthcare, for example in crop monitoring and quality control of semiconductor components. 

From Technological Improvement to Practical Application

The research project brings together two advanced developments in imaging technology:

• Spectral imaging (SI) resembles conventional imaging or photography. But instead of a single image, dozens to hundreds of images are captured at different wavelengths (visible and infrared). By analysing these images, specific properties of tissue or materials can be identified based on their unique spectral response.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is comparable to acoustic ultrasound, but uses light instead of sound. This makes it possible to obtain real-time internal images with higher resolution than acoustic ultrasound. OCT can, among other applications, be used in the diagnosis of skin cancer.

Within the NextDeLights project, light sources and detectors are first optimised for SI and OCT and subsequently integrated into new devices. The knowledge and results gained are shared with device manufacturers, enabling them to further adapt and improve their technologies. 

About the Project

The project is led by dr. Jeroen Kalkman (TU Delft). Co-applicants are dr. Steven van den Berg and dr. Arjan Lock (research group Photonics, The Hague University of Applied Sciences), dr. Joke Korevaar (research group Oncological Care, The Hague University of Applied Sciences) and dr. Renate van den Bos (Erasmus MC).