Richards-Kortum The objective of this research is to develop new knowledge and technologies which integrate the advantages of optical coherence tomographic (OCT) imaging and optical spectroscopy. The aim is to enable high-contrast, molecular-specific optical imaging of early tumors in epithelial tissues. This will require the development of new biological models to allow rigorous testing of these concepts. Also, the knowledge gained from these models will be used to develop an optical system to address the clinically significant problem of ovarian cancer. The completion of these objectives will require: (1) fundamental advances in the understanding of the cellular basis of light scattering and how it can be manipulated with extrinsic agents, (2) technology development for simultaneous imaging and spectroscopy, and (3) development of molecular contrast agents and tools to test tools and developments. ***
