Microscopic imaging, fluorescent contrast agent may improve detection of gliomas

New research from the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix and the University of Washington published Aug. 22 in Scientific Reports details the accuracy of optical technology in microscopes in identifying malignant brain tumors.  

When administered to patients, the FDA- approved fluorescent contrast agent 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) produces a glow visible in medical images. Surgeons are then able to identify tumors and the border regions of malignant gliomas during neurosurgery, which may improve tumor removal, according to the researchers.  

"Our development of standardized methods thus becomes increasingly important for clinical trials and studies that obtain measurements or observations using the surgical microscope in intraoperative fluorescent modalities during the resection of neoplastic brain tissue,” said Mark Preul, MD, and Evgenii Belykh, MD, with Barrow's Neurosurgery Research Laboratory, in a prepared statement.

Study findings may help improve the detection of tumors with quantitative fluorescence measurement, according to the researchers.  

“Our findings about the limitations of quantification of fluorescence with neurosurgical operating microscopes potentially have considerable research and clinical implications,” according to the researchers.  

“If we're going to use what we believe to be advanced imaging technology, then we need to have confidence that what we're using for fluorescence signal quantitative detection in our clinical systems is proven, reliable, with built-in standards and can be used for patients for their benefit. This is especially true as we develop more sensitive and specific technology to detect and treat such aggressive brain tumors as affected Sen. John McCain." 

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A recent graduate from Dominican University (IL) with a bachelor’s in journalism, Melissa joined TriMed’s Chicago team in 2017 covering all aspects of health imaging. She’s a fan of singing and playing guitar, elephants, a good cup of tea, and her golden retriever Cooper.

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