Light-Based Imaging Platforms for Early Cancer Detection
Fluorescence imaging is a powerful, non-invasive technique for detecting subtle biochemical and structural changes in tissue that are invisible to the naked eye.
At 2M Engineering, we develop fluorescence imaging systems and photonic platforms that enable early-stage cancer detection and improved clinical decision-making.
By combining multi-wavelength light sources, optical fibers, compact sensors and intelligent signal processing, we translate advanced photonics into practical, clinically usable diagnostic tools.
Why Fluorescence Imaging Matters in Cancer Detection
Early cancer detection remains one of the largest unmet needs in healthcare.
In oral cancer specifically:
- the disease is easily accessible for inspection, yet
- many malignancies are still detected too late
- early lesions are often visually indistinguishable from healthy tissue
As a result, oral cancer still has a 5-year mortality rate of ~50%, despite the fact that early detection can raise survival above 80%.
Fluorescence imaging addresses this gap by revealing functional and biochemical tissue changes long before structural abnormalities become visible.
From Visual Inspection to Optical Tissue Characterisation
Limitations of current screening methods
Current oral cancer screening relies on:
- visual inspection (clinical oral examination)
- blue-light adjuncts and dyes
- brush biopsies and referral for histopathology
These approaches:
- lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity
- provide no real-time decision support
- often lead to unnecessary biopsies or delayed diagnosis
The role of fluorescence imaging
Fluorescence imaging enables:
- real-time tissue characterisation
- identification of suspicious regions beyond visual cues
- guidance to optimal biopsy locations
- earlier and more confident clinical decisions
Fluorescence Imaging Platform Development at 2M Engineering
2M Engineering develops complete fluorescence imaging systems, covering:
- optical architecture and wavelength selection
- LED and laser-based excitation sources
- fiber-optic probe design
- spectrometer-based and camera-based detection
- embedded signal processing and classification algorithms
- system miniaturisation and portability
- preparation for clinical validation and certification
Our approach is application-first: we design photonic solutions around real clinical workflows, not laboratory setups.
Case Study: EDOCAL – Early Oral Cancer Detection Platform
EDOCAL is a fluorescence imaging system developed by 2M Engineering for the early detection of oral and throat cancer.
The system is based on multi-wavelength fluorescence excitation, using both LEDs and laser sources to stimulate tissue autofluorescence and analyse emission patterns associated with pre-malignant and malignant changes.
Current status
- core optical and medical know-how established
- working prototype validated in patient studies
- clinical trials completed
- technology ready for further industrialisation and OEM deployment
The underlying technology platform is not limited to oral cancer and can be adapted to other cancer types and anatomical locations.
Key Capabilities of the EDOCAL Platform
- real-time fluorescence imaging during examination or surgery
- multi-wavelength excitation (365–625 nm)
- laser and LED light sources
- fiber-based tissue illumination and signal collection
- spectrometer-based signal analysis
- software-driven interpretation and lesion classification
- portable system architecture
- support for fewer biopsies and improved targeting
The system does not provide an automated diagnosis, but offers clinicians actionable optical information to support decision-making.
Combining Fluorescence with Conventional Imaging
2M’s fluorescence systems can be combined with:
- conventional color imaging
- lesion tracking over time
- image comparison and morphing
- structured patient data management
This hybrid approach improves:
- longitudinal monitoring
- documentation and follow-up
- communication between clinicians
From Prototype to Clinical-Ready Device
2M Engineering supported the full trajectory of fluorescence imaging development:
FROM
First functional demonstrators
- validation of excitation wavelengths
- output power optimisation
- clinician feedback loops
TO
Portable clinical systems
- miniaturisation
- cost-down engineering
- usability optimisation
- preparation for clinical testing and certification
This experience directly feeds into new OEM and PoC diagnostic developments.
A Reusable Platform for Multiple Cancer Types
Fluorescence imaging principles used in EDOCAL are applicable to:
- oral and throat cancer
- bladder cancer
- gastrointestinal cancers
- dermatology
- intraoperative margin assessment
2M actively builds on this foundation in new projects on early cancer detection and optical diagnostics.
Specifications of the EDOCAL system
System
- Setup for multi-wavelength tissue illumination and integrade sensing
- Technology: multi-wavelength fluorescence imaging
- Application: mouth and throat cancer
- Clinical trial completed
- Complete technical optical, hardware, signal processing & application development by 2M
- Portable
Main unit
- Wavelengths: 6 laser sources and 4 LEDs from 365nm to 625nm
- Spectrometer based signal processing
Sensor probe
- Light directed via optical fiber to human tissue
- Fluorescence “return” emission collected via same fiber
Signal processing & algorithms
- Light information is analyzed with computer with signal processing software
From Concept to Clinical-Ready Device
A proven ability to translate advanced photonic concepts into portable, clinically usable medical devices.
FROM – First Functional Model
Exploring feasibility & clinical relevance
- Narrow-band LED and laser source selection
- Sufficient optical output power for biological tissue
- Initial fluorescence contrast validation
- Close interaction with clinicians to define real clinical needs
- Laboratory and early patient testing
TO – Fully Portable Device for Clinical Tests
Ready for real-world medical environments
- Miniaturised optical and electronic architecture
- Multi-wavelength excitation integrated in a compact system
- Robust fiber-based sensing probe
- Optimised signal processing & classification algorithms
- Cost-down engineering and manufacturability
- Designed for clinical use, trials and certification pathways
Why Partner with 2M Engineering
2M Engineering combines:
- deep photonics and laser expertise
- system-level medical device engineering
- clinical workflow understanding
- experience with EU-funded research projects
- translation from research to manufacturable products
We do not deliver isolated optical components — we deliver integrated diagnostic systems.
Looking to Develop a Fluorescence Imaging Solution?
If you are working on:
- early cancer detection
- optical biopsy alternatives
- real-time tissue characterisation
- photonic PoC diagnostic devices
2M Engineering can support you from concept and feasibility through to certification-ready product development.
Earlier H2020 projects on cancer detection using laser photonics
EDOCAL Demonstrator
The project is funded under the FP7 program. Project name: EDOCALD (FP7 project number 605254)
In cancer, tissue cells tend to create many additional blood vessels to support their growth. The molecule protoporphyrin (PpIX) is generally present in blood vessels and exhibits red fluorescence when excited with UV or blue light in the 360-425 nm range. Cancer cells and pre-cancer cells are detected by observing the red fluorescence at a matching excitation wavelength. The wavelength of the laser has to be tunable as the matching wavelength depends on the person, type of illness and presence of other chemicals. Baselines are created using surrounding healthy tissue.
More about the EDOCAL Demonstrator project
Advanced Bladder cancer LAser Diagnostics and thErapy (ABLADE)
Seventh Framework Programme, Grant Agreement No: 324370
Project Start Date: 10/04/2013
The ABLADE project stems from the innovative idea to transfer the technologies of multi-functional lasers to the endoluminal approach for managing the diagnosis and treatment of urinary bladder cancers, thus improving early diagnosis and accuracy over the current white light based endoscopic approach and transurethral resection using electrodiathermy.
This transfer of knowledge is enabled by the incorporation of new laser sources with different wavelengths into a compact system designed specifically to address some of the unmet clinical needs identified by a large systematic review with meta analysis and cost-effectiveness study.
The ultimate goal of ABLADE is to dramatically enhance the advantages of traditional flexible endoscopic inspection of the urinary bladder by integrating new multifunctional laser diagnostic and phototherapy technologies to realise a system suitable for outpatients or day case based diagnosis and treatment of the urinary bladder.
Early Cancer Detection Using Photonic Crystal Lasers (EDOCAL)
The EDOCAL project is being funded by the 7 th Framework Program for Research and Technological Development, grant agreement number 231993, by the European Union.
The aim of the EDOCAL project is to create a breakthrough tool for early detection of cancerous cells by combining state of the art laser and imaging technology with leading medical research. It combines advanced, proven, low cost telecom and state of the art semiconductor technologies with the latest advances and insights into medical procedures provided by the RTD partners.