Infrared spectroscopy provides a green analytical chemistry tool for direct diagnosis of cancer

Diagnosis of cancer is one of the most important aspects of medical research and has become the main aim of biomedical investigations. Misdiagnosis is the main drawback in most of the diagnostic routes introduced, while some of these methods are invasive and expensive.Recently, infrared spectroscopy (IR) was proposed as a rapid, accurate and sensitive technique in biomedical research, especially for detection of patterns of illness. We discuss research into cancer detection by IR, the role of data processing in quality assurance of the results obtained and novel proposals, such as bio-fluid analysis for diagnosis. We conclude that IR provides a novel green analytical chemistry approach to clinical oncology and cancer research.