This study presents a novel integrative approach combining Raman spectroscopy and gene expression profiling to monitor the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within a physiologically relevant 3D HepG2 cell model. We demonstrate how an optimized experimental design, including precise laser incidence angles, high spectral and spatial resolution, and advanced data processing techniques, significantly enhances the sensitivity and specificity of Raman scattering in detecting biochemical alterations associated with tumor evolution. This methodology enables non-invasive, real-time physiological monitoring of tumor progression at the molecular level, offering broad applicability in cancer diagnostics and therapeutic evaluation. • Optimized lasers boost Raman sensitivity for tumor changes. • Molecular insights for tumor dynamics & therapy evaluation.
Corsaro et al. (Wed,) studied this question.