Advancements in Biophotonics: Revolutionizing Cancer Imaging and Diagnosis

Biophotonics has emerged as a transformative field in cancer research, offering innovative techniques that enhance our understanding of cancer at both cellular and tissue levels. The integration of biophotonics in cancer research has led to significant advancements in imaging applications, providing unprecedented insights into the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of various cancers. Current challenges in cancer research include the need for precise imaging techniques that can differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells and understand the underlying mechanisms of cancer progression. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of biophotonics in achieving subcellular resolution and high sensitivity, which are crucial for cell differentiation and understanding cell mechanics. High-resolution imaging techniques have enabled researchers to delve into the subcellular mechanisms driving cancer, while microfluidic structures have facilitated the development of lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices, integrating multiple laboratory functions. Despite these advancements, there remains a need for further exploration of biophotonics applications in cancer research, particularly in enhancing molecular sensitivity and improving photon delivery in deep tissue imaging.

This Research Topic aims to consolidate the latest advancements in photonics research with a specific focus on cancer research. The primary objective is to explore new approaches that enhance molecular sensitivity and disease detection, improve photon delivery in deep tissue, and develop novel techniques that integrate microfluidics and photonics. By addressing these areas, the research seeks to answer critical questions about the effectiveness of biophotonics in cancer diagnosis and treatment, and to test hypotheses related to the integration of photonics in cancer research methodologies.

To gather further insights in the application of biophotonics in cancer research, we welcome Original Research, Reviews and Mini Reviews, Methods, Perspective Articles, and Hypothesis and Theory articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• New approaches to molecular sensitivity and disease detection
• Effective photon delivery in deep tissue and 3D reconstruction techniques
• Novel approaches that combine microfluidics and photonics
• Advances in lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technology for cancer research
• Subcellular imaging techniques for understanding cancer mechanisms
• Development of 3D microscopy for organoid structure analysis in tissue-mimicking environments

Keywords: photonics, deep tissue imaging, tomography, 3D imaging, photon propagation, photon simulation

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.