Development of Pathology Specimen Preparation Method by Supercooling Cryopreservation under Magnetic Field

Technique of Freezing under Magnetic Field* Pathological Diagnosis

Abstract

Brain tumors have the highest incidence of childhood solid can cers and they also have the highest mortality rate among childhood cancers. One fa ctor cited for improved prognosis in cancer is improvement in surgical extraction rate, but types of childhood brain tumors are more diverse in comparison to tho se of adults, and it is at present exceedingly difficult for even an experienced pathologist to perform an accurate diagnosis. We have developed a technique for freezing under magnetic field for the purpose of internal organ cryopreservation, and we cond ucted this study after considering that this freezing technique could be useful for ra pid diagnosis utilizing frozen tissue during surgery. Results showed the arrangement of neurons to be in much better order with brain tissue frozen under magnetic field than that which was frozen by liquid nitrogen. For pancreatic tissue, it was found that in sulin staining was clearer for freezing performed under magnetic field than with liquid nitrogen. In short, we found that this technique is not simply for the preservation of tissu e, but has the potential to improve the accuracy of pathological diagnosis and surgical ext raction rate as well as limiting chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This is the principal outcome that will contribute to an improved quality of life (QOL) for childhood cancer patients.