World Cancer Day

This World Cancer Day on February 4 for the second time, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) is highlighting unique experiences with cancer around the globe and working to create a world where we look beyond the disease and see the person before the patient. ZEISS is committed to building awareness and knowledge about cancer to help detect and treat the disease at an early stage. Building on the UICC campaign “United by Unique – united in our message, unique in our stories”, ZEISS is shining a light on its role in the fight against cancer, providing information about advances in cancer research and treatment options.

People use the word “cancer” to refer to a whole range of diseases. Cancer actually manifests when irreparable mutations occur in sections of our genetic material. This results in uncontrollable cell growth that can wreak havoc on the body. However, advances in research have enabled enhanced early detection and diagnosis, as well as brand-new treatment methods – and this has certainly benefited patients.

In the fight against cancer, microscopy serves as a vital tool that connects the dots between basic research, translational advances, and clinical applications that can transform patient care.

Basic research is the foundation upon which our understanding of cancer is built. Microscopy allows scientists to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive cancer development and progression. Researchers can visualize cancer cells in their native microenvironment in unprecedented detail, studying their morphology, behavior, and interactions with surrounding tissues. High-resolution imaging is essential for understanding the genetic mutations that contribute to different cancer types. And ZEISS not only enhances cancer research but also streamlines daily cell routine analyses. ZEISS Labscope, powered by AI, provides an instant overview of cell growth and behavior, which is crucial for important research steps.

The journey from bench to bedside is essential in translating basic research findings into effective cancer treatments. Researchers use microscopy to evaluate novel drug candidates on cancer cells, assessing effects on cell viability and proliferation. Tissue multiplexing allows simultaneous analysis of multiple biomarkers in a single sample, providing a comprehensive understanding of the tumor microenvironment. This is essential for developing targeted therapies and personalized treatment strategies tailored to each patient's unique cancer characteristics. Imaging solutions like ZEISS Axioscan 7 spatial biology support precise and reproducible assessment of therapy-induced cellular and microenvironmental changes, accelerating the translation of laboratory discoveries into clinically actionable insights.

In clinical settings, microscopy and imaging solutions are indispensable for cancer diagnosis and treatment planning. For instance, pathologists rely on high-quality imaging to analyze tissue samples, identify cancerous cells, and determine disease stages. The ZEISS Axioscan 7 clinical slide scanner enables the screening of a large number of slides. This allows pathologists to maintain subjective diagnosis preferences while efficiently handling high volumes of samples. In the OR the In Vivo Pathology Suite CONVIVO^® allows real-time feedback on tissue microstructure through digital image consultation. Pathologists can review in-vivo imaging data by remote access, allowing immediate analysis of the recorded image.⁴

ZEISS CONVIVO is part of the ZEISS Tumor Workflow – a concept that enables multidisciplinary teams from neurosurgery, neuropathology, and radiation oncology to offer new approaches for brain tumor treatment. Finding the balance between preserving functional areas and extending resection during brain tumor surgery is a challenge even for experienced neurosurgeons. Therefore, intraoperative information is critical to be able to make the right decision at the right time. The ZEISS Tumor Workflow³ adds confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) to standard fluorescence and navigation guided neurosurgery.

Imaging solution from ZEISS also supports the diagnosis of ocular tumors. The ZEISS CLARUS fundus camera captures high-resolution images which help doctors confidently diagnose ocular diseases including ocular melanoma. Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography is a useful exam to better visualize the peripheral retina, which is fundamental to assess nonperfused areas, vascular leakage, microvascular abnormalities, and neovascularization.