In vivo optical characterization of human prostate tissue using near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy.

The development of photodynamic therapy into a modality for treatment of prostate cancer calls for reliable optical dosimetry. We employ, for the first time, interstitial time-resolved spectroscopy to determine in vivo optical properties of human prostate tissue. Nine patients are included in the study, and measurements are conducted prior to primary brachytherapy treatment of prostate cancer. Intrasubject variability is examined by measuring across three tissue volumes within each prostate. The time-resolved instrumentation proves its usefulness by producing good signal levels in all measurements. We are able to present consistent values on reduced scattering coefficients (mu(s)'), absorption coefficients (mu(a)), and effective attenuation (mu(eff)) at the wavelengths 660, 786, and 916 nm. At 660 nm, mu(s)' is found to be 9+/-2 cm(-1), and mu(a) is 0.5+/-0.1 cm(-1). Derived values of mu(eff) are in the range of 3 to 4 cm(-1) at 660 nm, a result in good agreement with previously published steady state data. Total hemoglobin concentration (THC) and oxygen saturation are spectroscopically determined using derived absorption coefficients. Derived THC values are fairly variable (215+/-65 microM), while derived values of oxygen saturation are gathered around 75% (76+/-4%). Intrasubject variations in derived parameters correlate (qualitatively) with the heterogeneity exhibited in acquired ultrasound images.