From “micro-” diagnosis to “macro-” treatment, a road full of colors

Abstract

Introduction: From 1878 when the first working cystoscope was presented to today's era of big data and artificial intelligence, colorful biomarkers remain one of the urologists' strongest allies. We hereby review the current research frontiers in “color” informatics and their clinical translation in urology through methodologies and applications of visual augmentation of molecular feedback and theragnostic. Results: The multi-dimensional data approach involves firstly lasers' rapid progress as an omnipresent part of modern urology in a variety of diseases, while color Doppler assists the depiction both of the urinary tract and the male genital tract. Both in molecular and systemic level screening, unique techniques using light, histochemical stain enabling color, and fluorescent tracers are improving morphological discrimination between malignant and benign cells, as well as providing anatomical and functional information preoperatively and intraoperatively. Conclusion: Technologies by exploiting the various lengths of the spectrum of light, which clinically it is translated, and it is evident as different color shades, have significantly toward improved our ability to both diagnose and treat urological entities. Thus, improving the management of light's and color's unique attributes could provide urologists with more effective clinical tools.