Abstract: A method, apparatus and probe for examining tissue for the presence of target cells, particularly cancerous cells, by subjecting the tissue to be examined to a contrast agent containing small particles of a physical element conjugated with a biological carrier selectively bindable to the target cells. Energy pulses are applied to the examined tissue. The changes in impedance and/or optical characteristics of the examined tissue produced by the applied energy pulses are detected and utilized for determining the presence of the target cells in the examined tissue. In a described preferred embodiment, the applied energy pulses include laser pulses, and the physical element conjugated with a biological carrier is a light-sensitive semiconductor having an impedance which substantially decreases in the presence of light. The same probe used for detecting the targeted cells may also be used for destroying the cells so targeted.

Abstract: An integrated tool is provided, having a tissue-type sensor, for determining the tissue type at a near zone volume of a tissue surface, and a distance-measuring sensor, for determining the distance to an interface with another tissue type, for (i) confirming an existence of a clean margin of healthy tissue around a malignant tumor, which is being removed, and (ii) determining the depth of the clean margin. The integrated tool may further include a position tracking device and an incision instrument. The soft tissue may be held within a fixed frame, while the tumor is being removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying oligosaccharides specific to cancer and methods for determining a strain of cancer in an individual. The present invention also provides methods for diagnosing cancer or a stage of cancer in an individual by detecting the presence or absence of specific cancer markers and methods for treating cancer by administering antibodies directed to such markers. In addition, the present invention provides cancer markers comprising O-linked oligosaccharides and kits for diagnosing or treating cancer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recognizing tissue types measures at least two separate and distinct properties of a tissue specimen using a probe tip containing electrodes coupled to circuitry that applies a measuring current and obtains values of electrical properties of the tissue such as conductivity and potential difference. An algorithm then uses the values to determine the tissue's type and condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and method for diagnosing malignant tissue by fluorescence observation with an endoscope. A stroboscope is used as a white light source in order to illuminate the interesting tissue region through the endosocope. A laser is simultaneously used in order to stimulate the fluorescence. At a time, the analyzer is activated in the dark phase between two light flashes of the stroboscope and deactivated during a visible light flash. The tissue, with a continuous fluorescence stimulation by exposure to light with a stimulating wavelength, may be observed under a pseudo-white light. The spectrogram may be represented on a screen which displays a normal white light endoscopic picture.

Abstract: A method of modifying epidermis for transport of a material by electroporation includes applying to epidermis an agent that, upon entry into the epidermis, will modify the epidermis to thereby cause and altered rate of transport of a material across the epidermis. Typically, the altered rate will be an increased rate of transport. The epidermis is electroporated, whereby at least a portion of the modifying agent enters the electroporated epidermis, thereby modifying the epidermis to cause an altered rate of transport of a material across the epidermis. In another embodiment, the modifying agent can modify the epidermis to enable measurement and/or monitoring of physiological conditions or change within or beneath the epidermis. The modifying agents can also be employed to facilitate discharge of fluids from within an organism, such as by providing pathways for discharge of fluids from a tumor.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of a photosensitive texaphyrin for the photodynamic treatment of a pigmented lesion, such as a melanodermic lesion, or a lesion obscured by pigmented tissue such as melaniferous tissue in a subject. In particular, the invention provides a treatment for the metastatic process of melanoma, and a method for inhibiting growth of established metastases of melanoma. The photosensitive texaphyrin may be a free-base texaphyrin or may be metallated with a diamagnetic metal. Preferably, the texaphyrin is metallated with lutetium. Heretofore, melanoma has been refractory to treatment with photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for screening and diagnosing trauma or disease in body tissues involves the use of DC biopotential sensing electrodes having DC offset potentials within an acceptable range and electrical characteristics which enhance the accuracy of the biopotential measurement. The apparatus checks the electrodes connected thereto prior to a measurement cycle and will not initiate the measurement cycle if improper electrodes are present. The electrodes may be formed to selectively pass only certain ions thereby enhancing the sensitivity of the electrodes.