Enhanced Communication of Tumor Margins Using 3D Scanning and Mapping

The scope of our research is to use 3D scanning and augmented reality technology to improve communication of cancer surgery results among the multidisciplinary cancer care team. More specifically, we're hoping to allow for a surgeon to re-resect cancer more precisely and allow for more precise radiation therapy. In the hospital environment, space is often limited, and finding additional room for extra personnel and equipment can be difficult.

The learning curve on this protocol can also be challenging, especially for those without prior experience in 3D scanning and computer-aided design. We've created a 3D scanning and virtual mapping protocol for cancer specimens, providing a permanent visual record to go alongside written pathology reports. This is a powerful communication tool for the entire cancer care team and is now being investigated in multidisciplinary tumor board discussions, as well as adjuvant radiation therapy treatment planning.

When a surgical specimen is processed for pathologic analysis, it is often destroyed, without any visual documentation. This results in lengthy written pathology reports and can often lead to challenging clinical scenarios in cases of a close or positive margin. Our research protocol creates an interactive, permanent visual record of the resected cancer specimen.

Our protocol offers a novel visual representation of a surgically resected oncologic specimen and a map of how it was processed pathologically. This data previously did not exist and now allows providers to look back at a specimen for reference, multidisciplinary care discussions, and future treatment planning.