Potential clinical uses of laser scan microscopy.

Compared with conventional light microscopy (LM), confocal laser scan microscopy (CLSM) is characterized in part by increased light sensitivity and higher spatial resolution. These characteristics permit the detection and discrimination of minor changes in cells and tissues in a more specific, sensitive, and accurate way. Potential clinical applications related to these characteristics of CLSM are discussed. Preliminary data indicate that the higher light sensitivity of CLSM allows detection of low amounts of proto-oncogene mRNA which are minimally detectable by LM. Evaluation of Grimelius-stained sections of lung cancer by CLSM with antiflex permits detection of previously undetected granula. The higher spatial resolution of CLSM may prove to be essential for accurate assessment of nuclear shape, which is of prognostic importance in tumors of a variety of organs. When applied to cancer research and diagnosis or other relevant fields, CLSM allows improved insight in tumor cell biology and may lead to improved diagnostic pathology. Consequently, the use of CLSM could lead to more refined therapeutic indications.